Andrew Donskov Bücher

As an idealist, Leo Tolstoy was constantly searching for practical applications to his philosophical ideas. He found a prime example in the religious group of the Doukhobors, whom he personally helped emigrate from Russia to Canada in 1899, and to whom he referred as people of the 25th century.

Central to Tolstoy's work is his deep exploration of the peasantry, reflecting his lifelong quest for understanding the essence of a good life and the meaning that transcends inevitable death. This focus is not merely social or humanitarian; it delves into profound philosophical inquiries that shaped his thoughts and writings throughout his career.

Dealing with the most topical questions of the time, Sofia Tolstaya's artistic works-from parables and short stories to novellas and memoirs-not only show deep insights into the historical context of nineteenth-century Russia, but also reveal the evolution of her feelings in her forty-eight-year marriage to Leo Tolstoy.