The Complete Novels of Leo Tolstoy

Immerse yourself in the definitive collection of Leo Tolstoy's literary masterworks, enriched with critical essays and remembrances that afford a comprehensive vision of his literary journey. 'The Complete Novels of Leo Tolstoy' presents not only his well-known epics such as 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina' in alternative translations but also his less often explored yet equally poignant works like 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' and 'Resurrection'. The compilation exhibits Tolstoy's variable literary style, skillfully transitioning from the sweeping narratives of historical fiction to intimate psychological studies, underlined by his commitment to moralistic and philosophical undertones. The assortment of shorter novels and autobiographical writings offers readers a vivid portrait of nineteenth-century Russian society through the lens of Tolstoy's realist fiction, providing a rich canvas for the exploration of existential themes.

Leo Tolstoy's own evolution from an aristocratic soldier to a venerable writer and philosophical preacher is reflected in the thematic tapestry of his novels, mirroring his ongoing struggle with ethical and spiritual questions. His contemplations on non-violent resistance, social justice, and personal redemption crystallized in his narratives and essays alike and were informed by his real-life experiences, including his interactions with peasants on his family estate and his service in the Crimean War. The supplementary materials, including biographical anecdotes and critical analyses, offer insight into Tolstoy's artistic metamorphosis and the censorship battles he endured, affording a unique perspective on the interplay between Tolstoy's life, his literature, and the socio-political climate of Tsarist Russia.

This exhaustive anthology is recommended not only to devotees of Tolstoy's artistry but to anyone seeking to grasp the breadth and depth of Russian literature at its zenith. Tolstoy's works continue to resonate for their exploration of human nature, addressing the universal aspects of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. 'The Complete Novels of Leo Tolstoy' stands as a monumental tribute to his genius, a must-have for scholars and literature enthusiasts keen to revisit the timeless inquiries and the profound truths that Tolstoy so masterfully wove into the fabric of his narratives.

Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known in English as Leo Tolstoy, was born on September 9, 1828, at Yasnaya Polyana, his family's estate in the Tula Province of Russia. Tolstoy's literary career spans a period of more than half a century, and he is universally acclaimed as one of the titans of Russian literature. His masterpieces, 'War and Peace' (1869) and 'Anna Karenina' (1877), epitomize the novel form with their intricate character development and a profound penetration into the complexities of human society and the human soul. A member of the Russian nobility, Tolstoy underwent a profound moral and spiritual crisis in the 1870s, which led him to renounce his aristocratic lifestyle and seek a more ascetic way of life based on the principles of Christian pacifism and spiritual and social reform. In addition to his novels, Tolstoy's bibliography includes short stories, essays, and plays. 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' (1886) is among his most celebrated shorter works, noted for its profound introspection. As a stylist, Tolstoy is known for his realistic portrayal of Russian life, his careful craftsmanship, and his moral concern for sincerity, nonviolence, and personal integrity. His posthumously published 'The Complete Novels of Leo Tolstoy' offer a comprehensive collection of his significant works. Tolstoy's ideas on nonviolent resistance influenced figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. He passed away on November 20, 1910, and remains a monumental figure in world literature.