War and Peace (Vintage Classics)

Leo Tolstoy, born on September 9, 1828, was a colossal figure in literature and one of the greatest novelists in history. Hailing from an aristocratic Russian family, Tolstoy's influence extended beyond his homeland, penetrating the global literary scene with his profound realism and philosophical insights. His early education, enriched with extensive travels across Europe, and experiences in the Crimean War, significantly influenced his literary carvings. Tolstoy’s masterpieces, "War and Peace" (1869) and "Anna Karenina" (1877), are pinnacles of realist fiction that effortlessly intertwine storylines dealing with politics, society, family, and personal growth. His genius did not contain itself to full-length novels but also flowed through numerous short stories and novellas like “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” and “Hadji Murat” manifesting his philosophical and moral quests. In his later years, Tolstoy transitioned from literary maestro to spiritual philosopher, becoming an outspoken critic of institutionalized religion and a proponent of nonviolent resistance, impacting figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. He left behind a myriad of enlightening essays touching upon anarchism, pacifism and nonviolent resistance. Leo Tolstoy died on November 20, 1910, leaving an indelible mark on the literary world as well as society's perception of morality and peace.