The Slavery of Our Times (eBook)

Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known more commonly in English as Leo Tolstoy, was one of literature's most significant figures, born on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, Russian Empire. His opus includes novels, short stories, plays, and philosophical essays. Tolstoy's literary style is characterized by intricate character development and a profound moral consciousness. Considered one of the greatest novelists of all time, Tolstoy's masterpiece, 'War and Peace' (1869), and 'Anna Karenina' (1877) are emblematic of realist fiction and illustrate the breadth of Russian society with psychological depth and detailed physical setting. In his later years, Tolstoy became a moral thinker and social reformer, influencing nonviolent resistance globally. His book 'The Slavery of Our Times' underscores his late philosophical ponderings about the economic and social structure of society and its inherent injustices. This work reflects his belief that individual moral responsibility is the key to social reform. Tolstoy's convictions led him to a simpler lifestyle, renouncing his aristocratic heritage and embracing aspects of Christian anarchism. He died on November 20, 1910, leaving a legacy that transcends literature and continues to provoke philosophical discussions regarding social justice and spirituality.