Leo Tolstoy: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #604

by Liza Knapp (Editor)

War and Peace and Anna Karenina are widely recognised as two of the greatest novels ever written. Their author, Leo Tolstoy, has been honoured as the father of the modern war story; as an innovator in psychological prose and forerunner of stream of consciousness; and as a genius at using fiction to reveal the mysteries of love and death. At the time of his death in 1910, Tolstoy was known the world over as both a great writer and as a merciless
critic of institutions that perpetrated, bred, or tolerated injustice and violence in any form.

Yet among literary critics and rival writers, it has become a commonplace to disparage Tolstoy's <"thought>" while praising his <"art.>" In this Very Short Intorduction Liza Knapp explores the heart of Tolstoy's work. Focussing on his masterpieces of fiction which have stood the test of time, she analyses his works of non-fiction alongside them, and sketches out the core themes in Tolstoy's art and thought, and the interplay between them. Tracing the continuing influence
of Tolstoy's work on modern literature, Knapp highlights those aspects of his writings that remain relevant today.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Biography, Literature, Philosophy, Writing, Nonfiction, Russia, History

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2019

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series from Oxford called “A Very Short Introduction.”

In just over 100 pages Knapp, a professor of Russian literature, delves into Tolstoy’s life, his writing, his spiritual quests, and the interrelation between all this and themes in War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and so on.

Tolstoy has a Canadian connection that is not widely known: he donated funds so a Russian heretic sect, the Doukhobors, could relocate to western Canada. A quick google search will reveal how troublesome this group was in Canada as they persistently rejected authority — mostly through arson and parading naked. Apparently in this community they still revere Tolstoy for raising funds to help them flee repression under the Tzar.

There is much to savour in this deceptively short text. The combination of Tolstoy and a very short book is delightful. Can be considered as an introduction, or an overview, or just a quick refreshing dip into a cool pond on a hot summer day.

[Shuhan Rizwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

" আমরা যেভাবে মানুষের জামার বোতামের বর্ণনা দেই, তলস্তয় মানুষের মনের গতিবিধি বর্ণনা করেন তেমন স্পষ্ট ভাবে৷ "

- ভার্জিনিয়া উলফ

[Tara ☆ Tarasbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, informative and enjoyable. My first in the "A Very Short Introduction" series and certainly not the last. This was a comprehensive and well-written, slim little book. I bought this to further my understanding of Tolstoy as I read War and Peace, and it's been incredibly helpful.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of Tolstoy's thought. A very fascinating read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a packed full small read of 120 pages and everything I needed to know about Leo Tolstoy

[Saranaf7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

War and Peace and Anne Karenina have been on my to read list forever, after reading this short introduction I will definitely read them ASAP. Although, it is a very short interpretation of Tolstoy’s theory and way if writings but it gives a clear vision of how to understand his work and the his motives.