War and Peace and Anna Karenina are widely recognised as two of the greatest novels ever written. Their author, Leo Tolstoy, has been honoured as the father of the modern war story; as an innovator in psychological prose and forerunner of stream of consciousness; and as a genius at using fiction to reveal the mysteries of love and death. At the time of his death in 1910, Tolstoy was known the world over as both a great writer and as a merciless critic of institutions that perpetrated, bred, or tolerated injustice and violence in any form. Yet among literary critics and rival writers, it has become a commonplace to disparage Tolstoy's "thought" while praising his "art." In this Very Short Intorduction Liza Knapp explores the heart of Tolstoy's work. Focussing on his masterpieces of fiction which have stood the test of time, she analyses his works of non-fiction alongside them, and sketches out the core themes in Tolstoy's art and thought, and the interplay between them. Tracing the continuing influence of Tolstoy's work on modern literature, Knapp highlights those aspects of his writings that remain relevant today. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

"... excellent short biograph[y]." - Donna Tussing Orwin, Slavonic and East European Review

"Knapp has succeeded in writing a worthwhile introduction to Tolstoy, perfectly suited to the classroom or, for that matter, anyone with some curiosity and two hours of quiet. Even Tolstoy scholars will appreciate her insights and, more importantly, her ability to connect seemingly divergent aspects of this notoriously unstable genius." - Martin Denver, Russian Review

"A superb short work." - Paradigm Explorer

"Liza Knapp has given us the ideal introduction to Tolstoy a marvellous synthesis and critique that takes his ideas and philosophy as seriously as his novels. Brilliantly written and useful." - Jay Parini, author of The Last Station

"Dazzling. Compelling. Moving! Knapp brilliantly illuminates the inseparability of Tolstoys art and thought and how a cherished childhood game inspired both." - Robin Feuer Miller, Professor of Russian and Comparative Literature, Brandeis University