Leo Tolstoy, also known as Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, was a Russian writer and philosopher who is widely considered one of the greatest novelists of all time. He was born on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia, to a noble family with a long history of military service. His mother died when he was two years old, and his father died when he was nine, leaving him to be raised by his aunt and grandparents.
Tolstoy received a traditional education at home and later attended Kazan University, where he studied law and Oriental languages. However, he was not a particularly diligent student and eventually dropped out without earning a degree. After leaving university, he spent several years traveling and serving in the military, experiences that would later provide inspiration for his writing.
Tolstoy's literary career began in the 1850s with the publication of several short stories and essays. His first novel, "Childhood," was published in 1852 and was followed by "Boyhood" in 1854 and "Youth" in 1857. These early works were well received, but it was not until the publication of "War and Peace" in 1869 that Tolstoy achieved international fame.
"War and Peace" is considered one of the greatest novels ever written and is notable for its sweeping historical scope, complex characters, and compelling narrative. It tells the story of five aristocratic families in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars and is considered a masterpiece of realist fiction.
Tolstoy's next major work was "Anna Karenina," published in 1878. Like "War and Peace," it is considered a masterpiece of realist fiction and is known for its complex characters and detailed depiction of Russian society. The novel tells the story of Anna Karenina, a married woman who has an affair with a wealthy count, and the consequences that follow.
In addition to his novels, Tolstoy was also a philosophical writer and social reformer. He believed in the importance of individual freedom and responsibility, and his writings often addressed social and political issues of the time. His views on non-violent resistance and pacifism were influential, and his beliefs about the role of the individual in society were ahead of their time.
Tolstoy's later years were marked by a growing disillusionment with the Russian Orthodox Church and a growing interest in spiritual matters. He eventually renounced his aristocratic lifestyle and devoted himself to helping the poor and downtrodden. He died on November 20, 1910, at the age of 82.
Despite his fame and influence, Tolstoy was not always well-respected by his contemporaries. His later works, especially his philosophical essays, were often met with criticism and rejection. However, his legacy as one of the greatest writers in history has endured, and his works continue to be widely read and studied today.
