Showing results by author "Leo Tolstoy" in All Categories

Dive into Youth, the captivating third installment of Tolstoys autobiographical trilogy, which includes Childhood and Boyhood. Originally published in a literary journal during the 1850s, this novel offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of youth and the journey to adulthood. (Introduction by Bill Boerst)

After facing heartbreak with his fiancée, Prince Stepan Kasatsky makes the life-altering decision to become a monk. Beneath the surface of this narrative lies Father Sergius profound quest for inner peace. He grapples with feelings of disillusionment and dissatisfaction, seeking contentment in a world that often eludes him. It is only at the end of his journey that he learns to relinquish his lifelong struggle for superiority and embraces the beauty of the ordinary.

Dive into the striking contrasts of wealth and poverty in Tolstoys Russia with this engaging podcast. Through a vivid lens, we explore the deep-rooted causes of economic inequality and envision a more just society. Tolstoy recounts his unsettling experiences with extreme poverty in Moscow, initially believing that financial generosity could alleviate suffering—only to discover that the complexities of poverty are far more intricate. He reflects on the interconnectedness of the affluent, including himself, and the struggles of the less fortunate, revealing how this dynamic harms both sides. ...

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 this deeply personal reflection, I explore the inner workings of my soul, revealing insights that emerged not from a rigorous study of theological doctrines or gospel texts, but from a profound moment of clarity. It was like a sudden illumination, casting away the shadows that obscured the true meaning of Christian doctrine. Imagine a sculptor, struggling to piece together a chaotic collection of marble fragments, who suddenly perceives the intended form in the largest piece. With renewed vision, he begins to assemble the statue, finding that each fragment aligns harmoniously in the ...

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 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 ...

In this captivating exploration of Count Tolstoys genius, we find him not confined to the realms of realism or naturalism, but rather soaring as an impressionist. His storytelling, while occasionally lacking in precise detail, paints vivid scenes that transcend historical accuracy. Imagine an artist crafting a battle with colors and emotions rather than exact lines; this is Tolstoys gift. One is drawn into a mesmerizing flow of life, where the court and camp, towns and countrysides, nobles and peasants are all brought to life with striking clarity. As we journey through the pages, we encounter...

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 ...

Immerse yourself in War and Peace, Leo Tolstoys monumental epic that chronicles the intricate tapestry of Russian society during the tumultuous Napoleonic Era. First published between 1865 and 1869, this literary masterpiece is often hailed as one of Tolstoys finest works alongside Anna Karenina. With its rich narrative and a vast array of characters, War and Peace delves into profound themes of war, peace, youth, aging, and the complexities of marriage. While it defies conventional novelistic norms of its time, it has since earned its place as one of the greatest novels in history. This ...

War and Peace (Russian Война и мир, Voyna i mir) is a monumental epic by Leo Tolstoy, first published between 1865 and 1869 in Russki Vestnik. This remarkable novel intricately weaves the tapestry of Russian society during the Napoleonic Era, exploring the profound themes of war, peace, youth, age, and the complexities of marriage. Often hailed as one of Tolstoys masterpieces—alongside Anna Karenina—it stands as one of the greatest novels of all time. War and Peace redefined the boundaries of fiction with its multitude of characters and expansive narrative, challenging the ...