The Devils (also known as The Possessed or Demons) is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, published in 1872. It is a complex and dark exploration of political radicalism, moral decay, and the chaos unleashed by ideological extremism in 19th-century Russia. The story revolves around a group of revolutionaries led by the enigmatic Nikolai Stavrogin, whose nihilistic ideas and personal demons wreak havoc on a provincial town. Through a web of intrigue, betrayal, and violence, Dostoevsky critiques the destructive nature of utopian ideologies and the loss of moral grounding in society. The novel is renowned for its psychological depth, vivid characters, and prophetic insights into the dangers of radicalism. A profound and unsettling work, The Devils remains a powerful commentary on the human condition and the consequences of ideological fanaticism.