The Spiritual Works of Leo Tolstoy (eBook)

The Spiritual Works of Leo Tolstoy' serves as a profound anthology encapsulating the later philosophical and theological musings of an author in the throes of deep spiritual inquiry. Within this collection, Tolstoy's transition from an esteemed novelist to a fervent Christian anarchist and pacifist is palpably chronicled. Through literary devices that blend narrative with expository treatises, Tolstoy dissects the essence of human ethics, informed largely by a zealous, literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount. His stylistic evolution mirrors his internal transformation, offering readers a nuanced, multifaceted portrait of both his reasoning and beliefs during a time of intense moral upheaval and societal questioning. Leo Tolstoy, born into Russian nobility, later turned away from his aristocratic background, dedicating himself to a life of spiritual and ethical exploration. The catalysts for his conversion, detailed in works like 'A Confession', speak to a broader 19th century crisis of faith, an era where science began challenging religious dogma. Tolstoy's subsequent relationship with prominent historical figures, such as Gandhi, with whom he corresponded, reflects the wide-reaching influence of his convictions on nonviolent resistance, which changed the fabric of political activism and moral thought in the 20th century and beyond. 'The Spiritual Works of Leo Tolstoy' is not merely a compendium of religious contemplation but a vital historical document that bridges the literary and the theological, the individual and the universal. Scholars and seekers alike will find in Tolstoy's writings a timeless inquiry into the nature of existence, ethics, and personal salvation that transcends the boundaries of time and culture. The book is indispensable not just for fans of Tolstoy's fiction, but for anyone intent on understanding the intricate interplay of faith and reason in a life devoted to the pursuit of truth and nonviolence.