Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy was a Russian author, born as Count Lev Nikolayvich Tolstoy in an aristocratic family in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia on September 9, 1828. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time, with his most famous works being "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina". These novels, as well as his autobiographical trilogy including "Childhood," "Boyhood," and "Youth," are considered pinnacles of realist fiction.

Tolstoy's life was marked by a moral crisis and subsequent spiritual awakening during the 1870s. This transformation led him to adopt extreme ascetic and moralistic views, making him a noted social reformer and moral thinker. He became a Christian anarcho-pacifist and anarchist, interpreting the ethical teachings of Jesus in a literal manner, with a focus on the Sermon on the Mount. This shift in perspective greatly influenced his later works, which emphasized nonviolent resistance - ideas that would later impact influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi.

In addition to his novels, Tolstoy also wrote plays, essays, and short stories. His writings were inspired by his personal experiences and emotions, providing a realistic portrayal of life during his time. Tolstoy started his literary career in 1852 with the publication of his autobiographical book "Childhood," along with a short story titled "The Raid". His works have left a lasting impact on literature and society, securing his place as a significant figure in Russian and world literature.