Tolstoi and the Evolution of His Artistic World

Book excerpt: Joe Andrew and Robert Reid assemble thirteen analytical discussions of Tolstoi’s key works, written by leading scholars from around the world. The works studied cover almost the entire length of Tolstoi’s creative career, from some of his earliest stories of the 1850s (The Sevastopol Stories), to those of his last period, including posthumous publications (The Kreutzer Sonata and Father Sergius). Particular attention is paid to his two masterpieces, War and Peace and Anna Karenina. All the studies are based on the most recent developments in cultural theory. The reader of this work will gain new and unique insights into this unparalleled genius of world literature, especially into the methods used to create the works that retain immense importance for us today. Contributors: Joe Andrew, Eric de Haard, Rose France, Helena Goscilo, Jane Gary Harris, Katalin Kroó, Irina Makoveeva, Deborah Martinsen, Robin Feuer Miller, Robin Milner-Gulland, Audun Mørch, Donna Tussing Orwin, Olga Sobolev, Diane Oenning Thompson