A novel by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, crime and punishment focuses on the internal conflicts, mental agony and moral dilemma of Rodion Raskolnikov, a poor ex-student from saint Petersburg who plans to murder a lady pawnbroker in order to steal her money. Crime and punishment is considered to be Dostoevsky's first novel that triggered off a string of mature writings. It is also regarded as one of the greatest achievements in literature. Initially published in a literary journal the Russian Messenger in 12 monthly instalments, it was later published in 1866 in a single volume in the wake of its popularity. Crime and punishment is Dostoevsky's second novel following his return to society after a ten-year exile in Siberia. Crime and punishment is perhaps one of the finest psychological analyses of crime and guilt that has ever been written in any language. It is a true masterpiece written by a true master.