Walk in the Light & Twenty-Three Tales

By Leo Tolstoy

Book Overview

Uncluttered by the complexities of plot and character that daunt so many readers of the longer Russian masterpieces, Tolstoy's tales illumine eternal truths with the forceful brevity. While inspired by the sense of spiritual certainty, their narrative quality, subtle humor, and visionary power lift them far above the common run of "religious" literature.
Long hailed as one of the world's greatest writers, Leo Tolstoy is best known for his novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Yet the popularity of his shorter works--including the two dozen collected here--attests to his prowess as master of the short story.

From the title work, "Walk in the Light," a parable that reflects Tolstoy's fascination with the early Christians, to beloved tales such as "Ivan the Fool," "A Prisoner in the Caucasus," and "What Men Live By," the stories in this volume have stood the test of time both as fiction and reflections on the meaning and content of Christian faith.

Contents

For Children God Sees the Truth, But Waits; A Prisoner in the Caucasus; The Bear-Hunt

Popular Tales What Men Live By; A Spark Neglected Burns the House; Two Old Men; Where Love Is, God Is

A Fairy Tale The Story of Ivan the Fool

Stories Written to Pictures Evil Allures but Good Endures; Little Girls Wiser than Men; Ilyas

Folktales Retold The Three Hermits; The Imp and the Crust; How Much Land Does a Man Need?; A Grain as Big as a Hen's Egg; The Godson; The Repentant Sinner; The Empty Drum

Adaptations from the French The Coffeehouse of Surat; Too Dear

Stories Given to Aid the Persecuted Jews Esarhaddon, King of Assyria; Work, Deaht, and Sickness; Three Questions

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570754608
• ISBN13: 9781570754609
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 351 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books ever written

Moby Dick used to be my favorite book. What more is there to say? Tolstoy is a master storyteller. If you like good writing, this book is for you. If you like Christian writing, this book is even more for you. This one will make a great gift.

Master of short stories

This book belonged to my father and he used to tell me stories from it when I was small. All parents should try to read this to their children - I remember being both mesmerised and confused by the stories : mesmerised because of their simplicity and flow, and confused because they led to deeper questions on society,humanity and God. Even if you are agnostic, you can read it for its human and literaray value. After reading this you will have a hard time deciding whether Tolstoy is better as a novelist or a short story writer.

A Superb Volume

Tolstoy is one of the great masters of fiction -- and of Christian fiction. And the stories you will find here are many of his best. His love for humanity shines through. These stories are so direct, so concrete, and they ring so true. One can't help reading them with a reverence that borders on awe.The translation, too, by Louise and Aylmer Maude, is exquisite. It is done with such authority that it feels spontaneous and seamless, as if one is reading the actual words of Tolstoy, rather than those of some lesser intermediary. The Maudes are by far my favorite translators of Tolstoy.The book is well done in every respect. I love everything about it -- right down to the bright whiteness of the pages; the paper quality is very good.I recommend this book highly. It is one of my most prized volumes.

Classic Russian Literature!

One of the greatest of the Russian writers, in a form and translation that even children can follow and be moved by. There is no better quality family time than reading these timeless tales together. There is no more fulfilling solitude than to curl up with this collection and read it alone by the fireside. Take your choice! I started with my kids and then finished when they went to bed.

Marvelous Stories for Adults and Children

I read this book with my 5-year-old son and we both enjoyed these wonderful stories. The stories are divided into several groupings, such as "Tales for Children" -- a misnomer, because all of these stories are suitable for adults and children alike -- "Popular Stories" "Folk Tales" and others.Tolstoy -- known for massive novels and obscure philosophical essays -- was actually quite adept at the short story, as this book demonstrates. These stories make excellent bedtime reading for children, who, with a little explanation from mom or dad will readilly understand and appreciate them. These stories are also useful for adults, and I would especially recommend some of them to ministers, priests, or deacons, who could use the stories in their sermons to illustrate the points of human nature.