The Greatest Short Stories of Leo Tolstoy is a profound exploration of the human experience. Through Tolstoy’s eloquent prose and deep insights, readers can contemplate the universal themes of love, morality, and the search for meaning. This collection offers a diverse selection. Find tales that range from humorous to thought-provoking, with adventure and insightful character studies along the way.
Each story serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of human nature, challenging readers to confront their own beliefs and values. This collection typically features a selection of Tolstoy’s most famous short stories, which cover a range of genres and themes. Readers can encounter tales with humor, moral dilemmas, and adventure. Tolstoy’s timeless wisdom reminds us of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and spiritual awakening in a world fraught with conflict and uncertainty. This collection serves as a beacon of enlightenment and inspiration for the readers.

About the Author

Leo Tolstoy was born at Yasnaya Polyana, his family’s estate, on August 28, 1828, in Russia’s Tula Province, the youngest of four sons. His mother died when he was two years old, whereupon his father’s distant cousin Tatyana Ergolsky took charge of the children. In 1837 Tolstoy’s father died, and an aunt, Alexandra Osten-Saken, became legal guardian of the children. Her religious dedication was an important early influence on Tolstoy. When she died in 1840, the children were sent to Kazan, Russia, to another sister of their father, Pelageya Yushkov. Tolstoy was educated at home by German and French tutors. He was not a particularly exceptional student but he was good at games. In 1843 he entered Kazan University. Planning on a diplomatic career, he entered the faculty of Oriental languages. Finding these studies too demanding, he switched two years later to studying law. Tolstoy left the university in 1847 without taking his degree.Tolstoy returned to Yasnaya Polyana, determined to become a model farmer and a “father” to his serfs (unpaid farmhands). His charity failed because of his foolishness in dealing with the peasants (poor, working class) and because he spent too much time socializing in Tula and Moscow. During this time he first began making amazingly honest diary entries, a practice he maintained until his death. These entries provided much material for his fiction, and in a very real sense the collection is one long autobiography.