Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy was born into a rich and aristocratic family in Russia in 1828. His parents died when he was young and Tolstoy lived with relatives until he started a university course in oriental languages. He was an unsuccessful student and left university without a degree to join the Army. He also travelled a lot in Europe.
Tolstoy changed his way of living in 1870 and became very religious. He started to live a very simple life and, in the end, left his rich home and lands. This was just before he died in 1910 at the age of 82. Today, Tolstoy is seen as one of the world’s greatest novelists, perhaps the greatest. His very long and famous novels include 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina'.
Articles by Leo Tolstoy
A Lost Opportunity
IntermediateFiction
This short story by Tolstoy concerns good relations with neighbours is the key to a happy and peaceful home life. When that is lost, not only friendship suffers but also the farms on which they live. (4,930 words)
Three Questions
Pre-IntermediateFiction
In this very short story, the great Russian novelist, Leo Tolstoy, gives his readers a simple truth. The story seems like a children’s tale as it includes a king and a wise old man, but it is suitable for all ages of reader (1,100 words)
The Bird
Pre-IntermediateFiction
This very short piece is a sad story about a little boy who catches a bird. His mother doesn't want him to keep it but he does with tragic results. (500 words)