Literary Giant: Tolstoy

Author: Zheng Chunxing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The life of the world-famous Russian literary giant Leo Tolstoy is filled with romance and mystery. In his long 82 years, he not only created a large number of literary works but also demonstrated noble character in the turbulent historical era. As a genius artist, Tolstoy gained worldwide fame with his immortal masterpieces such as War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and Resurrection, earning the respect of progressive people around the world. As a great thinker, Tolstoy spent his life contemplating major issues, concerned with the future and fate of Russia. He not only had a set of theoretical beliefs but also a series of practical activities and numerous followers. His ideas had a significant impact on Russia at the time and around the world. As a social activist, Tolstoy served as a mediator between landlords and peasants and once became deeply involved in establishing schools for poor rural children. He lived by example, traveling abroad twice to explore truth and examine education. He was particularly concerned with India and China. As a renowned philanthropist, Tolstoy repeatedly funded relief efforts for disaster victims at his own expense and repeatedly called for an end to the oppression and exploitation of the poor. Later, he freed his own serfs, gave up most of his property, and even lived a self-sufficient rural life. The great leader Lenin hailed Tolstoy as the "mirror of the Russian Revolution" and highly praised his achievements. He said that when Tolstoy depicted the historical life of pre-revolutionary Russia, "he could raise so many significant issues in his works and achieve such artistic power that his works occupy a leading position in world literature." Another great Russian writer, Maxim Gorky, said: Tolstoy was the most complex figure among all the great men of the 19th century.