Lew Nikolajewitsch Tolstoi Books

Written over a period of more than half a century, Leo Tolstoy’s stories reflect every aspect of his art and personality. They cover his experiences as a soldier in the Caucasus, his married life, his passionate interest in the peasantry, his cult of truth and simplicity, and his growing preoccupation with religion. The stories in Volume 1 of the Collected Shorter Fiction date from the period in which the young Tolstoy wrote Anna Karenina and War and Peace. Ranging from brief, masterfully sketches of military life such as “The Wood-Felling” to novellas like Family Happiness, an uneasy imagining of the idyllic possibilities of marriage by the not-yet-married writer, all feature Tolstoy’s characteristically lavish deployment of detail, shrewd observation, and imaginative power.

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This trilogy of short novels, taken as a whole, recounts the young narrator's early life up to his university days, each episode told through the perceptions, points of view and emotions felt by the protagonist at the time. Based on Tolstoy's own life and experiences, this fictionalized account of a young man growing into the world combines anecdote with frank personal assessment and philosophical extrapolation, as the author's Stendhalian take on the confessional genre confronts and blurs the notions of reality and imagination. Tolstoy's first published work, which launched him on a successful writing career, Childhood, Boyhood, Youth - besides offering an early display of his storytelling and stylistic abilities - provides the reader with invaluable insight into the personal and literary development of one of the greatest writers of all time. Assessment and philosophical extrapolation. An early display of Tolstoy's storytelling genius, written in his classically simple yet colourful language, these chronicles provide the reader with invaluable insight into the personal and literary development of one of the greatest writers of all time.

The novel intricately weaves the lives of five families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, exploring the profound impact of conflict on personal and societal levels. Tolstoy presents a vast array of characters, including historical figures, while delving into themes of love, loss, and resilience. In the epilogues, he offers a reflective philosophy on history, challenging the notion of the Great Man Theory and emphasizing the significance of small events in shaping the past. Celebrated for its depth and scope, this epic work remains a pivotal piece of world literature.

The narrative follows Efim and Elisha, two elderly men determined to embark on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem before their lives end. After extensive preparation, they set off on their journey but soon encounter a seemingly abandoned village. Their exploration leads them to a dark hut, where they uncover unexpected truths about life and humanity. The story delves into themes of faith, companionship, and the quest for meaning, highlighting the transformative experiences that arise from their pilgrimage.

Exploring themes of faith and morality, this collection features religious tales and parables by Leo Tolstoy, a literary giant known for his profound insights. Among the stories is "Walk in the Light While Ye Have Light," which narrates Pamphylius's conversion from paganism to Christianity. Other notable tales include "God Sees the Truth, but Waits" and "What Men Live By." This anthology showcases Tolstoy's ability to blend spiritual awakening with rich storytelling, solidifying his status as a master of both fiction and moral philosophy.

Focusing on the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the novel explores Nikolenka's experiences as he navigates friendship, love, and personal growth while preparing for university. Through his relationship with Dmitri and the emotional challenges he faces, readers witness his awakening to complex feelings and moral revelations. This semi-autobiographical work captures the essence of youth, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of memories, showcasing Tolstoy's emerging literary prowess and philosophical depth that would characterize his later masterpieces.

Set during a harsh Russian winter, the narrative follows the journey of Vasili Andreevich Brekhunov and his servant, Nikita. Through their interactions, the story delves into profound themes of human nature, morality, and the relentless pursuit of material wealth. Despite its short length, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the dynamics between master and servant, highlighting the philosophical complexities of their relationship.

The brilliant shorter novels of Tolstoy, including The Death of Ivan Ilych and Family Happiness, collected and reissued with a beautiful updated design. Of all Russian writers Leo Tolstoy is probably the best known to the Western world, largely because of War and Peace, his epic in prose, and Anna Karenina, one of the most splendid novels in any language. But during his long lifetime Tolstoy also wrote enough shorter works to fill many volumes. Here reprinted in one volume are his eight finest short novels, together with "Alyosha the Pot", the little tale that Prince Mirsky described as "a masterpiece of rare perfection."