Yasnaya Polyana School (ePub)

Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known more commonly as Leo Tolstoy, was a towering figure in world literature, renowned for his masterful storytelling and profound philosophical inquiries. Born on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia, Tolstoy emerged from an aristocratic background to become one of the most influential authors of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His literary works are characterized by realistic narrative and deep moral and ethical explorations, which have left an indelible mark on the development of modern literature. Tolstoy's contributions to the world of literature include such classics as 'War and Peace' (1869) and 'Anna Karenina' (1877), which epitomize his gift for complex, character-driven storytelling interlaced with thoughtful commentary on society, politics, and human nature. In 'Yasnaya Polyana School' (1862), Tolstoy outlined his educational philosophy and experiments at the school he founded on his estate, representing his lifelong commitment to social reform and spiritual growth. His introspective and often spiritually oriented works, including 'The Kingdom of God Is Within You' (1894), further demonstrate his quest for truth and nonviolent resistance, a significant influence on figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Tolstoy's literary style is distinct in its extensive detail, psychological depth, and use of realism, making him an essential figure in the pantheon of great authors. He passed away on November 20, 1910, leaving behind a legacy as a literary giant, moral thinker, and social reformer.