Tolstoy as Philosopher. Essential Short Writings

“Inessa Medzhibovskaya's collection brings together seventy-seven essential texts, marking an unprecedented endeavor in capturing the breadth of Tolstoy’s philosophical journey. Medzhibovskaya's meticulous translation and editing efforts illuminate the evolution of Tolstoy’s thought, from his earliest writings to his later reflections… Such a comprehensive and textologically-sound compilation is a first, and provides a valuable resource for Tolstoy scholars and enthusiasts, especially those not fluent in Russian. Medzhibovskaya's clear and authoritative translations make these texts accessible and may well establish her edition as a go-to reference in Tolstoy studies. The inclusion of such diverse and lesser-known works in one volume not only enriches our understanding of Tolstoy's philosophical journey but also underscores the depth and breadth of his intellectual pursuits.”

— Michael A. Denner, Tolstoy Studies Journal

“As a whole, both sections of this book provide readers the opportunity to explore the extraordinary flow of Tolstoy’s thinking, moving progressively from one theme to another. We can explore thereby the evolution of ideas and notions—from the writer’s childhood to the peak of his creative powers, until his death in 1910. This way, the philosophical side of Tolstoy’s personality is revealed. Indeed, an incredible and amazing journey into the world of literature and philosophy is offered by the editor of this book. … This anthology as a whole is a perfectly structured source, revealing the essence of Tolstoy’s philosophical ideas and aspirations. The book may be of great interest to connoisseurs of the literary heritage of this Russian writer, as well as for the more sophisticated readers well acquainted with Tolstoy’s biography, diaries, and notebooks. What is certain is that the novelty of the published material can enable further research on Tolstoy’s philosophical writings.”

— Iuliia Kuznetsova, Studies in East European Thought

“Discovering any untranslated work of Leo Tolstoy is akin to finding buried treasure. Inessa Medzhibovskaya in this lovely volume unearths a cache of short writings and burnishes them for the reader in English with excellent translations and expert commentary. The collection shows Tolstoy’s appreciation of life and quest for meaning from his earliest to his last writings. As a seven-year-old child in 1835 he noted observations about birds, and two years later wrote about patriotism—both essays are in the volume. The compendium concludes with a cycle of tales written for the relief of survivors of the Easter pogroms of 1903 in Kishinev, as well as the introduction to his final book, The Path of Life (1910). The writings, the introductory essay, and the notes make this an excellent companion volume for biographies of Tolstoy, but it also stands alone. The fluidity and clarity of translation will reward those who dip into sections as well as those who read straight through. Medzhibovskaya gives new insight into the life course and philosophical development of this marvelously perplexing man.”

– Jeffrey Brooks, author of The Firebird and the Fox: Russian Culture under Tsars and Bolsheviks

“A major contribution to Tolstoy studies. Medzhibovskaya’s research, based on decades of scholarship and archival work on Tolstoy, is impeccable. She places the writings into the broader contexts of his life and thoughts. Many of the works appear for the first time in English translation. Tolstoy scholars, general readers, and philosophy specialists will benefit from the breadth of the writings and from Medzhibovskaya’s erudition. She also highlights nuances of Tolstoy’s language. 

The reader can experience the joy of discovery from reading the many unknown writings on science; art; music; the meaning of life; justice; Tolstoy’s question about why a tree grows; his views on psychiatry; on how to prevent suicide. He talks about tolerance; love; happiness; morality; ethics; how to avoid the causes of war; politics; religion. The writings span Tolstoy’s life, from what he wrote as a young boy, to what he wrote, at 80, about vegetarianism, for his young grandchildren.”

– Ellen Chances, Professor of Russian Literature, Princeton University

“In this mix of Tolstoy’s short works on philosophical questions, his readers will find the unadulterated essence of the questions on life and on death that he novelizes in War and Peace and Anna Karenina and explores elsewhere in his writing. This anthology is a treasure trove for students, scholars, seekers, and all interested in Tolstoy’s thought and thought processes. Arranged chronologically, the volume shows that Tolstoy began his quest to understand the meaning of life as a boy and never gave up. 

As compiler, translator, and annotator, Inessa Medzhibovskaya has done a masterful job. She draws on her comprehensive understanding of all Tolstoy’s oeuvre and on her unparalleled familiarity with his philosophical works to make this anthology especially valuable.”  

– Liza Knapp, Professor of Slavic Languages, Columbia University

“Those who read Tolstoy only in English – and many who read him in Russian – are used to thinking of him as first a writer and then, in old age, a political and religious thinker and a social activist. This unique volume includes writings, most of them translated for the first time, that together comprise a ‘biography’ of the development of his thought from childhood on. They range over many genres, from maxims to letters to fiction to memoirs to hybrid forms and much more. Meticulously translated almost entirely by editor Inessa Medzhibovskaya and, just as importantly, annotated and commented upon in great detail by her, they make available a new tool for English and Russian readers alike for understanding both him and his art.”

– Donna Tussing Orwin, Professor, University of Toronto and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

“This book presents the truly philosophical material that has never been translated. The inspiring academic dedication of Inessa Medzhobovskaya and her hard and enduring work in the archives and libraries of the Leo Tolstoy Museums in Moscow and Yasnaya Polyana brilliantly resulted in this volume of Leo Tolstoy’s works, An Anthology, translated, edited and introduced by Prof. Medzhiboskaya. The volume, accompanied by Further Reading, Index of Names and Titles, Index of Terms, makes the edition immensely valuable not only for the academic readers but for the general public interested in Tolstoy’s work and life. My sincere congratulations to Inessa Medzhibovskaya on behalf of the Yasnaya Polyana researchers who know Prof. Medzhibovskaya as a dear friend and a recognized Tolstoy scholar.”

– Galina Alekseeva, PhD, Academic Director, The Leo Tolstoy Museum-Estate at Yasnaya Polyana