This biography of the brilliant author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina “should become the first resort for everyone drawn to its titanic subject” (Booklist, starred review). In November 1910, Count Lev Tolstoy died at a remote Russian railway station. At the time of his death, he was the most famous man in Russia, more revered than the tsar, with a growing international following. Born into an aristocratic family, Tolstoy spent his existence rebelling against not only conventional ideas about literature and art but also traditional education, family life, organized religion, and the state. In “an epic biography that does justice to an epic figure,” Rosamund Bartlett draws extensively on key Russian sources, including fascinating material that has only become available since the collapse of the Soviet Union (Library Journal, starred review). She sheds light on Tolstoy’s remarkable journey from callow youth to writer to prophet; discusses his troubled relationship with his wife, Sonya; and vividly evokes the Russian landscapes Tolstoy so loved and the turbulent times in which he lived.

Citadel Press is proud to announce the newest titles in the Wisdom Library, a collection of books showcasing the thoughts and writings of diverse literary, philosophical, political, and scientific immortals. These books deserve a place on every home bookshelf and in every student's basic library. A giant of modern literature, Tolstoy was born an aristocrat and by the age of 26 had been both a landed noble and a bloodied soldier. Disenchanted by both lives, he became a writer. The theme of this volume, excerpted from My Religion, is nonviolent resistance, a concept later embraced by Gandhi and Martin Luther King.

"Never before had such a voice sounded in Europe ... It is little to say that we were thrown into raptures by the creative genius of Tolstoy. It became part of our life, became our very own," wrote Romain Rolland, one of Tolstoy's greatest contemporaries. This book is neither a biography nor a literary portrait. It is the voice of the times in which Tolstoy lived. These reminiscences, contributed by people from widely different circles - by Tolstoy's wife and children whose contributions give us a true picture of the great writer's private life; by writers, artists and actors who were his friends; by comrades who accompanied him on the military campaigns in which he took part; by the doctors who tended him; by people who served as prototypes of characters from his novels; by teachers in his school at Yasnaya Polyana; by peasants of Yasnaya Polyana, representing that "human ocean" whose flux and flow Tolstoy followed with such rapt attention - all of them taken together present the total impression that Tolstoi made upon his generation. In a word, the pages of this book reveal to the reader the wisdom and inner conflict of the man whom Gorky has called "a one-man orchestra," "the most complicated of all great men of the 19th century."

"Anna Karenina" and "War and Peace" branded Tolstoy as one of the greatest writers in modern history. Few, however, have read his wonderful short stories. Now, in one collection, are the 20 greatest short stories of Leo Tolstoy, which give a snapshot of Russia and its people in the late nineteenth century. A fine introduction is given by Andrew Barger. Annotations are included of difficult Russian terms. There is also a Tolstoy biography at the start of the book with photos of Tolstoy's relatives. The stories include: A Candle, After the Dance, Albert, Alyosha the Pot, An Old Acquaintance, Does a Man Need Much Land?, If You Neglect the Fire You Don't Put It Out, Khodinka: An Incident of the Coronation of Nicholas II, Lucerne, Memoirs of a Lunatic, My Dream, Recollections of a Scorer, The Empty Drum, The Long Exile, The Posthumous Papers of the Hermit Fedor Kusmich, The Young Tsar, There Are No Guilty People, Three Deaths, Two Old Men, and What Men Live By. Read the 20 greatest short stories of Leo Tolstoy Today!

This collection of daily thoughts to nourish the soul from the world’s sacred texts by Leo Tolstoy feature gems of inspiration and wisdom—author Thomas Keneally calls this book “transcendent, and that we are grateful he lived long enough to endow us with his grand inheritance.” This is the first-ever English-language edition of the book Leo Tolstoy considered to be his most important contribution to humanity, the work of his life's last years. Widely read in pre-revolutionary Russia, banned and forgotten under Communism; and recently rediscovered to great excitement, A Calendar of Wisdom is a day-by-day guide that illuminates the path of a life worth living with a brightness undimmed by time. Unjustly censored for nearly a century, it deserves to be placed with the few books in our history that will never cease teaching us the essence of what is important in this world.

"Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was the author of such classics as War and Peace and Anna Karenina. In mid-life, however, he underwent a deep moral and spiritual crisis that led him back to the gospels in an effort to conform his life to the spirit of Christ. This volume focuses on his "spiritual writings" - autobiographical reflections on his journey of faith, commentaries on the gospels, and essays, on the essence of Christianity."--BOOK JACKET.

Leo Tolstoy's 'The Complete Works' is a monumental collection encompassing his diverse literary output. With works ranging from epic novels such as 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina' to thought-provoking essays on art, religion, and politics, Tolstoy's writing showcases his deep understanding of human nature and societal issues. His distinct literary style combines vivid storytelling with philosophical introspection, making his works timeless classics in the literary canon. Tolstoy's exploration of moral dilemmas and ethical questions resonates with readers of all ages, as he challenges conventional norms and delves into the complexities of the human experience. Leo Tolstoy, a prolific Russian writer and thinker, drew inspiration from his own life experiences and philosophical beliefs to create works that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His commitment to social change and spiritual enlightenment is evident throughout his writings, as he grapples with the fundamental questions of existence and morality. Tolstoy's dedication to truth and authenticity infuses his works with a sense of urgency and relevance that transcends time and place. I highly recommend 'The Complete Works of Leo Tolstoy' to readers seeking a deeper understanding of human nature, morality, and the complexities of society. Tolstoy's profound insights and timeless storytelling make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human soul and the complexities of the world we inhabit.