Leo Tolstoy ​

Leo Tolstoy, also known as Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, was a Russian novelist, essayist and philosopher. He is best known for his two most famous works: War and Peace (1869), considered one of the greatest novels ever written; and Anna Karenina (1877). His other major works include The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886) and Resurrection (1899).

Quick Facts ​

• Was a Russian novelist, playwright, and short story writer.
• Is widely regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time.
• His novel War and Peace is considered to be his masterpiece and is one of the longest novels ever written.
• He also wrote two other epics—Anna Karenina and Resurrection—and dozens of shorter works.
• Tolstoy's works have been adapted into countless films, plays, operas, ballets, cartoons, comic books, video games and more.

Background ​

Tolstoy was born in 1828 into a Russian aristocratic family. He studied law and languages at Kazan University, but left without a degree. After his education, he joined the army and served in the Crimean War before returning to write fiction. His most famous works include War and Peace (1869), Anna Karenina (1877) and The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886). Tolstoy is known for his moralistic writing style which focused on spiritual values such as love, compassion, forgiveness and non-violence. He was also a firm believer in pacifism and vegetarianism; both of these beliefs were reflected in his writing. In 1910, he died from pneumonia at the age of 82.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Tolstoy's writing style is known for its realism, psychological depth, and moral complexity. His novels are often considered to be some of the greatest in world literature and have been praised for their ability to capture the complexities of human nature. Tolstoy was also a major influence on 20th century authors such as Thomas Mann, Franz Kafka, and Ernest Hemingway.

Notable Works ​

• War and Peace (1869)
• Anna Karenina (1877)
• The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886)
• Resurrection (1899)