What Men Live By, How Much Land Does A Man Need? & Other Stories

by Leo Tolstoy, Louise Maude (Translator), Aylmer Maude (Translator)

What Men Live By, How Much Land Does A Man Need? & Other Stories is a collection of short fiction by Leo Tolstoy, including his classic works "What Men Live By" (originally published in Russian in 1881), "How Much Land Does A Man Need?" (1886), "Three Questions" (1903), and "The Coffee-House of Surat" (1903). This edition is based on the translations published in 1918 by Louise Maude (1855–1939) and Aylmer Maude (1858-1938).

This collection of stories by Leo Tolstoy, What Men Live By, How Much Land Does A Man Need? & Other Stories , takes readers on a journey through faith, mortality, and the meaning of life. Through the lens of Tolstoy’s renowned storytelling, readers will explore themes of love and justice, humility and greed, and the ultimate search for truth. In “What Men Live By,” readers are reminded of the importance of kindness and compassion, while “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” explores the dangers of greed and materialism. With each story, Tolstoy delves into the depths of the human condition, offering readers an opportunity to reflect on their own lives. This collection of stories is an essential piece of literature for anyone looking to gain insight into the timeless wisdom of Leo Tolstoy.

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author who wrote novels and plays, and is widely considered one of the greatest authors of all time. His works include War and Peace , Anna Karenina , and The Death of Ivan Ilyich . Tolstoy was born in the Tula Province of Russia, and was educated at the University of Kazan. After graduating, he worked as a teacher and in the army before embarking on his writing career. His first published work was Childhood , a semi-autobiographical novel, in 1852. Tolstoy is known for his philosophical and spiritual outlook. His works often explore questions of morality, justice, and the meaning of life. His later works focus on religious issues, such as non-violence, and his essays on Christianity and anarchism had a profound influence on Mahatma Gandhi and other political activists. In addition to his literary career, Tolstoy was a public figure who actively promoted social reform. He sought to improve the conditions of peasants and the working class, and proposed a system of education and land reform. He also became a vocal advocate of vegetarianism and animal rights. Tolstoy's works have been translated into more than 50 languages, and remain popular today. His influence in literature, politics, and philosophy continues to be felt around the world.

Louise Maude (1835-1939) and Aylmer Maude (1858-1938) were among the most prominent early English language translators of Tolstoy's works, receiving the personal endorsement of Tolstoy himself.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Classics

100 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2021

About the author

Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (Russian: Лев Николаевич Толстой; most appropriately used Liev Tolstoy; commonly Leo Tolstoy in Anglophone countries) was a Russian writer who primarily wrote novels and short stories. Later in life, he also wrote plays and essays. His two most famous works, the novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, are acknowledged as two of the greatest novels of all time and a pinnacle of realist fiction. Many consider Tolstoy to have been one of the world's greatest novelists. Tolstoy is equally known for his complicated and paradoxical persona and for his extreme moralistic and ascetic views, which he adopted after a moral crisis and spiritual awakening in the 1870s, after which he also became noted as a moral thinker and social reformer.

His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him in later life to become a fervent Christian anarchist and anarcho-pacifist. His ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal twentieth-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

See also:
French → Léon Tolstoï
Spanish → León Tolstói

Reviews

[Lily Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

didn’t know what to expect from this, but really enjoyed it! what men live by was my favorite. overall, would recommend.

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo Tolstoy was a mystic (though he denied this), and his writings go to the heart of spirituality devoid of organized religion. These short stories get to the heart of Tolstoy's beliefs and outlook on life. Contained therein is allegory and some very wise advice. I was surprised to learn he was born of nobility, as he had a good understanding and affection for peasants.

The characters are three dimensional, as in all of his fiction, and although there is an instructive bent to the stories they are not preachy or judgmental. This is a quick read and well worth the read as well. Highly recommended.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How Much Land Does a Man Need?” is a great little fable about the destructive power of greed. 4 stars for that one.

“What Men Live By” is about the elevating power of love and generosity. 3 stars.

[Ludovica · Rating 3 out of 5]

How much land does a man live is a novella about greed. What men live by is instead about hope. I liked both the short stories, maybe the second one a bit more

[yui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories in a fairytale like fashion, each with a lesson to be taught whether to guard against greed, to be generous, or to not act for egoism’s sake.

[Amy Lanemark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It contains remarkable messages with fluent story’s. Easy to read. But I am not a very religious person so that was too much of a church story for me. However it is still a remarkable and worth reading book.

[arabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

first book along with How Much Land Does Man Need, while it was about greed this centers the hope people live by.

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parables of greed, love, and perspective. Written beautifully.

[tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

timeless moral tales

[Sugar Quoted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo Tolstoy’s How Much Land Does a Man Need? is a short story that feels like a warning rather than a lesson. It’s the story of Pakhom, a man who believes that owning more land will finally give him peace and security. Yet every time he gains more, his satisfaction disappears, replaced by a new desire. What begins as ambition slowly turns into restlessness and fear.
The story’s most powerful moment is when Pakhom is offered as much land as he can walk around in one day. It seems like the perfect opportunity, but it also reveals his inability to stop. He pushes himself beyond reason, driven by the thought that more is always better. In the end, he gains everything he wanted, but in the end loses his life. Tolstoy’s answer is painfully simple: ***a man needs only enough land to be buried in.
As I journey through life, this story feels personal. As an investor myself, I understand ambition, growth, and the desire to build more. These are not wrong. But Pakhom reminds me that there is a thin line between healthy ambition and greed. Without gratitude and self-control, success can quietly steal peace instead of giving it.
This story is a reminder I want to carry with me: to pray for wisdom, to know when enough is enough, and to remember that growth should never cost my values, my health, or my inner peace. In the end, what matters is not how much I accumulate, but how grateful, grounded, and alive I remain along the way. #SugarQuoted #LeoTolstoy #HowMuchLandDoesAManNeed

[Aditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this collection of short stories, I’m convinced Tolstoy was more than a great writer; he was a prophet-like, spiritually attuned, philosopher. I’ve read countless novels with religious or moral undertones, but Tolstoy’s work is unique in that he doesn’t preach; he doesn’t bind his characters or lessons to a specific religion. And yet his stories are some of the most profound commentaries on faith and humanity I’ve ever read.

Whether it’s God, the Evil One, or Angels, the divine shows up just to mirror of human nature.

This collection, the writing, the emotions, and the lessons, are timeless.

[Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life demands moderation on all things

Greatest lesson on contentment in life. The narrative is prompt. One needs moderation in everything in life. I already recommended it to my son. I will recommend it to several youth yet. Such lessons make for better adults and thus better communities. I wish politicians would take a training using this book before becoming candidates at elections.

[Zildr · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book are two short stories that you could say are thematically opposites: one is about greed, the other about compassion.

I’ve been reading some of Tolstoy’s shorter works in the hopes of someday reading his greater works, and so far I really enjoy his writing. It’s feels like a breath of fresh air after reading Dostoevsky, since so far Tolstoy’s works feel more grounded and realistic. Looking forward to the next one!

[Nathan Slaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little assortment of philosophical tales sure to please your mind. Written in such an elegant grace of affecting simplicity, Tolstoy’s fables will astound you because they’re profoundly thought-provoking. I enjoyed all 4 short stories, but my favorite was perhaps the shortest one. Definitely a must read for anyone who craves philosophical stories that move you.

[Chloe Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This parable is a breath of fresh air. Reminds you how we are created out love and how we must live by it through other people. Also, I think it’s the translation, but the message of it was over explained.

[Kaynat Zaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Leo Tolstoy and I really love it. As a child I read the story 'How Much Land Does a Man Need' translated into my native language, however I am glad that I got the chance to read it again. I am eagerly waiting to read more of his books.

[Iñaki Bastida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Viktor Lilja · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeahhhh suffering Russian literature rules

[anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

straightforward, instructive, and well-elucidated. it’s a great collection of shorts, this leo tolstoy guy seems like a good writer 🤣

[Myrah]

“And all men live not by the thought they spend on their own welfare, but because love exists in man.”

[Ryan Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 to be explicit

[Tugce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I read by Leo Tolstoy and the book that made me fall in love with Russian literature.

[Charlie Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

The BEST story you’ve ever read James Joyce? What men live by was the better of the two but these stories are both belta regardless

[Jack Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My edition was " How much land does a man need and what men live by " two very good parables that I would recommend to anyone.

[Iris Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parables exploring the depths of human greed, love, and ultimately perseverance. Elegantly structured and endings that sit with the reader for a while. Current favorite out of the Penguin LBCs.

[бурак · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has the best tails possible to show how dangerous greed, sloth, envy and pride can be. A good reminder of Lord to the mankind. First book of Tolstoy I've ever read, planning to read the rest of them.

[Chloe Francois · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good.

[Sanjana Senapati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect one for starting classics.
and leo tolstoy's writing is worthy of your time, what to say? i read it in between my classes...

[readee v. wilbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyce told Lucia that How much land… was the best short story ever written. Wasn’t bad, but did not live up to my expectations. I prefer Dost’s writing, but Tolstoy was so based. I love that man.

[Serghei Cunev · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book - if i write a longer review, that might end being longer than the actual book, so go pick it up instead and read it.