First published 2023
George Herbert Perris presents carefully chosen passages from the vast literary and philosophical output of Leo Tolstoy. This compilation draws from the Russian master's novels, essays, letters, and speeches to illuminate his thinking on art, religion, society, and human nature. Perris, a devoted follower of Tolstoyan philosophy, arranges these excerpts to reveal the evolution and consistency of Tolstoy's ideas across his career. The selections span from Tolstoy's early fiction through his later spiritual writings, showing how the author of War and Peace transformed into a moral philosopher and social critic. Readers encounter Tolstoy's views on nonviolence, simple living, education, and the purpose of art. Perris provides context for each selection while allowing Tolstoy's own voice to dominate. The book serves as both an introduction for newcomers and a reference for those already familiar with Tolstoy's work, offering concentrated access to the ideas that made him one of Russia's most influential thinkers.
Genres: biography, philosophy, 20th-century, non-fiction, 19th-century, academic
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: biography, philosophical
Setting: Russia
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century
278 pages · Hardcover · Legare Street Press