The Gambler (novel) facts for kids

The Gambler is a novel written by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky. It tells a story about the problems that can come from gambling. Dostoyevsky wrote this book based on his own experiences visiting casinos in places like Wiesbaden and Baden-Baden. When he wrote The Gambler, he was having money troubles. Later, the famous composer Sergei Prokofiev even turned The Gambler into an opera.

How the Book Was Made

The Gambler was published in 1867, not long after Dostoyevsky's famous book, Crime and Punishment. In the summer of 1865, Dostoyevsky made a deal with his publisher, Stellovsky. He promised to finish a new novel by November 1st. If he didn't, the publisher would get the rights to his other books without paying him.

Dostoyevsky agreed to this. He worked very fast, dictating the story in just 26 days to his typist, Anna. Anna later became his wife. The publisher, Stellovsky, tried to make it impossible to deliver the book on time. He left St. Petersburg on October 31st. But Anna had a clever idea. She suggested they deliver the novel to a notary, who is like a special lawyer. This way, they were able to deliver the book by the promised date.

Images for kids

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  Everyman Library edition of The Gambler

See also

In Spanish: El jugador (Dostoyevski) para niños