Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer during the late 19th and early 20th century. Tolstoy authored eleven novels in total, including: Anna Karenina, War and Peace and The Death of Ivan Ilyich.
Key Dates
- 1828: Born in Central Russia
- 1844: Enrolled and studied Law and Oriental languages at Kazan University
- 1852: Completed his first novel, Childhood
- 1857: Began to travel abroad for four years
- 1859: Started a school for peasant children in his home town of Yasnaya
- 1901: Was excommunicated from the Christian Church by the Synod
- 1908: Began corresponding with Gandhi
- 1910: Died in Astapovo, Russian Empire at the age of 82
Leo Tolstoy - Lost Writing Rediscovered
This clip is about Leo Tolstoy's letter of advice to Bogdanov. It contains an important and original Tolstoy quotation concerning spirituality. Just weeks away from death, Tolstoy penned the document from his home in Yasnaya Polyana, July20, 1910. In the letter, he advises Bogdanov to be vigilant in life, to guard the purity of one's soul. Tolstoy felt it was man's responsibility to maintain a pure soul.
At the end of his life, Tolstoy was consumed with religion, spirituality and the meaning of life. This letter, which offers spiritual guidance, is a wonderful example of Tolstoy's views. It reveals his belief in man's spiritually-based existence. And, it also reminds us of Tolstoys willingness to devote his time to others, to share his wisdom of how to live.
Leo Tolstoy Timeline
1852-56: [ Childhood, Boyhood and Youth]
1863: The Cossacks
1869: War and Peace
1877: Anna Karenina
1886: Death of Ivan Ilyich
1888: The Power of Darkness
1889: The Fruits of Culture
1898: What is Art?
1899: Resurrection | The Devil
November 20, 1910: Dies
1911: Hadji Murat | The Forged Coupon published posthumously
Notable Leo Tolstoy Films
The following links are to IMDb which has pop-ups.
IMDb: Leo Tolstoy Filmography
1928: The Cossacks
1948: Anna Karenina
1956: War and Peace
1991: War and Peace
1997: Anna Karenina
2007: Anna Karenina | War and Peace
References
Fast Facts
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Born
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Education
Studied at Kazan University
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Fact:
His philosophies influenced Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi
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Fact:
Married Sofia Andreyevna Behrs in September 23, 1862
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Politics
Advocate for nonviolent resistance
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Died
