Showing results by author "Leo Tolstoy" in All Categories

This book contains parables for adults and children, often in the form of Christian allegories, by the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910). "Tolstoy's parables are the most artistically beautiful and powerful in their impact since the original ones in the New Testament." (Malcolm Muggeridge)

Regarded by many as the world's greatest novel, this is the classic story of Anna Karenina, "grande dame of Petersburg society", who forsakes everything ¿ her marriage, her son, and her position in society ¿ for the dashing Count Vronsky, with tragic consequences.

In Resurrection, Leo Tolstoy delivers a powerful exploration of the injustices wrought by man-made laws and the hypocrisy of organized religion. This final major work of fiction published during his lifetime was originally serialized in the magazine Niva, aiming to raise funds for the resettlement of the Dukhobors. The narrative follows nobleman Nekhlyudov on his quest for redemption after a long-buried sin resurfaces—a fleeting affair with a maid that led to her dismissal and descent into prostitution. As he grapples with his moral dilemmas and strives to aid her in escaping her current ...

Resurrection, the final major work of fiction by Leo Tolstoy published during his lifetime, delves into the profound injustices of man-made laws and the hypocrisy embedded within institutionalized religion. Initially serialized in the magazine Niva to support the resettlement of the Dukhobors, this compelling narrative follows nobleman Nekhlyudov on his quest for redemption after a long-buried sin resurfaces. His fleeting affair with a maid leads to her dismissal and a descent into prostitution, igniting his determination to rescue her from despair. As he grapples with his own moral and mental...

Set against the backdrop of the mid-19th century, The Cossacks (1863) is an unfinished masterpiece that delves into the vibrant life and culture of the Cossack people through the eyes of Dmitri Olenin, a Russian nobleman captivated by a Cossack girl. Esteemed author Ivan Bunin hailed this work as one of the finest in the Russian language, showcasing its enduring beauty and depth. Special thanks to mim@can & katzes for their additional proof-listening.

Dive into a captivating collection of four stories by Leo Tolstoy, each exploring the profound question posed in the title of the first tale What Does Man Live By? These narratives delve into the essence of life, the intricacies of human relationships, and the ultimate purpose of existence. Tolstoys distinctive style shines through in these beautifully crafted stories, which depict real people navigating real lives. The first story is presented in two parts, both narrated by the same voice for a seamless experience. Similarly, the concluding story, How Much Land Does A Man Need, is divided ...

In A Confession, Leo Tolstoy offers an unflinching look at his existential crises following a profound spiritual awakening in 1882. This deeply personal work delves into his disillusionment with organized religion, the futility of wealth and status, and the depths of despair he faced. Tolstoy recounts his transformative journey towards understanding faith through the teachings of Jesus Christ, contrasting the hollow beliefs of the educated elite with the authentic spirituality of the Russian peasant. His candid reflections not only led to his excommunication from the Russian Orthodox Church ...

In Gospel In Brief, Tolstoy masterfully distills the essence of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—into a single narrative that highlights the profound teachings of Jesus Christ. Through this exploration, he reveals that the Lords Prayer encapsulates the core message of Christs teachings. Join us as we journey through this timeless spiritual work, summarized by KHand.

In My Confession, Leo Tolstoy shares a poignant autobiographical narrative that delves into his battle with a mid-life existential crisis. He grapples with profound questions about life’s purpose and meaning, which have left him feeling that existence itself has become impossible. Reflecting on his philosophical journey, Tolstoy recounts his abandonment of Russian Orthodox faith in childhood, his pursuit of strength and reason, and the emptiness he felt despite achieving great wealth and social standing. After exhausting avenues in science, philosophy, and literature for answers, he turns to...

In this insightful little book, discover how the principle of Non-Resistance, extensively explored by Tolstoy, intricately connects to our economic and political realities. Aylmer Maudes clear and systematic summary sheds light on these profound themes.

As Russia enters into war with Japan, Tolstoy calls upon individuals from every stratum of society—ranging from the Tsar to the common soldier—to reflect on their actions through the lens of Christs teachings. He asserts that the key to liberating humanity from the self-inflicted suffering and the horrors of war lies not in grand external solutions, but through a profound personal introspection. Nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus challenged each person to ask themselves who am I, why do I live, and what should I do or avoid? Join us as we explore this powerful message.

In Anna Karenina, we delve into the tumultuous love affair between the passionate and defiant Anna and the charismatic officer, Count Vronsky. In Book 8, Vronsky embarks on a journey to the Servian war, consumed by his inability to live without Anna and grappling with a longing for death. Meanwhile, back at his farm, Levin faces his own existential crisis, wrestling with profound questions about life and its meaning amid the joys of family with his beloved wife and infant son. (Summary by Mary Anderson and MaryAnn)

In the gripping tale of Anna Karenina, we delve deeper into the tumultuous love story between the passionate Anna and the charming Count Vronsky. In Book 4, tensions rise as Annas husband contemplates drastic actions in response to her blatant infidelity. Meanwhile, Kitty and Levin find themselves reuniting in Moscow, leading to moments of both discomfort and realization. (Summary by Mary Anderson and MaryAnn)

What does it truly mean to live the good life? After enduring two months of recovery from a serious injury, Tolstoy found the time to reflect deeply and articulate his thoughts on this profound question. In On Life, he weaves together themes of love, religion, and morality to provide a grounding perspective on our existence. Join Cao Yuqing as he narrates this philosophical exploration that invites us to embrace the essence of our humanity.

Experience the profound wisdom and timeless insights of one of literature's greatest masters with this captivating collection of stories by Leo Tolstoy. Delve into a diverse array of narratives that explore the human condition, from the serene simplicity of rural life to the complex moral dilemmas faced by his characters. Tolstoy's eloquent storytelling and deep philosophical reflections come to life in each tale, offering a rich tapestry of themes such as compassion, justice, and the quest for meaning.

In these unabridged readings, Tolstoy's stories are returned to the living voice, as they were first imagined: spoken slowly, as one might speak by firelight. They tell of human hearts in search of truth - of suffering that softens us, love that redeems us, and the unseen bonds that join one life to another. Listen patiently. Let the words pass through you. What is true will remain, and what is false will fall away.

War and Peace (Russian Война и мир, Voyna i mir) is a monumental epic by Leo Tolstoy, first serialized between 1865 and 1869 in Russki Vestnik. This literary masterpiece intricately weaves the lives of various characters against the backdrop of Russian society during the tumultuous Napoleonic Era. Renowned as one of Tolstoys two greatest works (the other being Anna Karenina), it delves into profound themes of war, peace, youth, aging, and the complexities of marriage. While often labeled as a novel today, it defied the conventions of its time, leaving many contemporary critics ...

Dive into the epic world of War and Peace, a magnum opus by Leo Tolstoy that intricately weaves the fabric of Russian society during the turbulent Napoleonic Era. First published between 1865 and 1869, this monumental novel is often heralded as one of Tolstoys greatest works, alongside Anna Karenina. With a diverse cast of characters, the narrative explores profound themes of war, peace, youth, age, and marriage. While it defies many conventions of 19th-century fiction, it offers a fresh perspective that continues to resonate with readers today. Join us for the second book of this ...

Immerse yourself in the epic tale of War and Peace, a literary masterpiece by Leo Tolstoy that explores the intricate tapestry of Russian society during the tumultuous Napoleonic Era. First published between 1865 and 1869, this monumental novel is celebrated as one of Tolstoy’s two crowning achievements (the other being Anna Karenina) and is often hailed as one of the greatest novels in literary history. With a vast array of characters and a sweeping narrative that delves into grand themes of war, love, youth, and the complexities of marriage, War and Peace redefined the conventions of ...

Dive into War and Peace, an epic masterpiece by Leo Tolstoy that intricately weaves the tapestry of Russian society during the tumultuous Napoleonic Era. First published between 1865 and 1869, this monumental novel is often hailed as one of Tolstoys greatest works, alongside Anna Karenina. With a vast array of characters navigating the profound themes of war, peace, youth, aging, and the complexities of marriage, Tolstoy breaks traditional narrative conventions, challenging the very definition of a novel during his time. While critics once debated its classification, Tolstoy himself regarded ...