Uncluttered by the complexities of plot and character that daunt so many readers of the longer Russian masterpieces, Tolstoy's tales illumine eternal truths with the forceful brevity. While inspired by the sense of spiritual certainty, their narrative quality, subtle humor, and visionary power lift them far above the common run of "religious" literature.
Uncluttered by the complexities of plot and character that daunt so many readers of the longer Russian masterpieces, Tolstoy's tales illumine eternal truths with the forceful brevity. While inspired by the sense of spiritual certainty, their narrative quality, subtle humor, and visionary power lift them far above the common run of "religious" literature.
Long hailed as one of the world's greatest writers, Leo Tolstoy is best known for his novels
War and Peace and
Anna Karenina. Yet the popularity of his shorter works--including the two dozen collected here--attests to his prowess as master of the short story.
From the title work, "Walk in the Light," a parable that reflects Tolstoy's fascination with the early Christians, to beloved tales such as "Ivan the Fool," "A Prisoner in the Caucasus," and "What Men Live By," the stories in this volume have stood the test of time both as fiction and reflections on the meaning and content of Christian faith.
Contents
For Children God Sees the Truth, But Waits; A Prisoner in the Caucasus; The Bear-Hunt
Popular Tales What Men Live By; A Spark Neglected Burns the House; Two Old Men; Where Love Is, God Is
A Fairy Tale The Story of Ivan the Fool
Stories Written to Pictures Evil Allures but Good Endures; Little Girls Wiser than Men; Ilyas
Folktales Retold The Three Hermits; The Imp and the Crust; How Much Land Does a Man Need?; A Grain as Big as a Hen's Egg; The Godson; The Repentant Sinner; The Empty Drum
Adaptations from the French The Coffeehouse of Surat; Too Dear!
Stories Given to Aid the Persecuted Jews Esarhaddon, King of Assyria; Work, Deaht, and Sickness; Three Questions
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