Leo Tolstoy: The Complete Novels (The Giants of Literature - Book 6) (eBook)

Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known more widely as Leo Tolstoy, was a towering figure in literature, born on September 9, 1828, into Russian nobility. He is best known for his epic works 'War and Peace' (1869) and 'Anna Karenina' (1877), which are often cited as pinnacles of realist fiction. Tolstoy's literary style combined detailed physical description with keen psychological insight, exploring broad themes of war, peace, morality, and family through the lens of his sharp societal observations. A prolific author, his bibliography includes the poignant 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' and a plethora of novellas, short stories, and philosophical essays. His compendium, 'Leo Tolstoy: The Complete Novels' (The Giants of Literature - Book 6), offers a testament to his extensive narrative legacy. Besides his contributions to literature, Tolstoy was a notable moral thinker and social reformer, advocating for nonviolent resistance, a principle which influenced figures such as Gandhi. His spiritual and ascetic leanings in later life culminated in works such as 'A Confession' where he recounts his existential crisis and search for meaning. Tolstoy's disdain for institutionalized religion and property at odds with his aristocratic background, led to his excommunication from the Russian Orthodox Church. Nevertheless, his works continue to be studied for their artistic merit and philosophical depth. He passed away on November 20, 1910, leaving behind a literary legacy few have rivalled in depth, breadth, and influence.