Fyodor Dostoevsky completed his novel The Idiot in 1869.
The novel was written largely during Dostoevsky’s years abroad, including periods in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. He worked under financial pressure and while managing epilepsy, which affected both his life and his writing routine.
The Idiot follows Prince Lev Myshkin, an exceptionally compassionate man whose innocence conflicts with the passions and rivalries surrounding him. Other major characters include Nastasya Filippovna, Aglaya Yepanchina, and Parfyon Rogozhin.
The novel’s serial publication began in 1868, before the full work was completed. This distinction explains why 1868 and 1869 can both appear in timelines: 1868 marks the start of publication, while 1869 marks completion of the manuscript and serialization.