Leo Tolstoy

Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy's vivid and abundant recollections of his formative years are filled with insight into his parents, upbringing, first love, and the politics and even weather of the Russian Empire.

This collection combines the three semi-autobiographical works Leo Tolstoy authored regarding his youth and childhood. Together they form not merely a dramatized memoir, but a convincing portrait of a gifted young talent rapidly blossoming into the literary giant he would become. With little evidence of the darker themes of foreboding, murder and betrayal that would appear in his later works, Tolstoy nevertheless offers a series of spellbinding recollections.

Although he applies a measure of drama and fiction to his upbringing for the entertainment of readers, Tolstoy already radiates the philosophical and profound in his words. A sensitive and observant young soul, he nevertheless displays many of the flaws typical to youth; he is by turns selfish, proud, stubborn and single-minded in his pursuit of goals. While his early life is comparatively lacking in drama when compared with his novels, it is clear that Tolstoy's style was already taking form.

This edition of Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth makes use of the original translation by C. J. Hogarth. A renowned translator of Russian fiction and non-fiction in the early 20th century, we find in his work an authentic reproduction of Tolstoy's spirited words and sentiments.