Leo Tolstoy’s book ‘What Is Art?’ explores the essence and purpose of art in the context of society and humanity. With a clear and insightful literary style, Tolstoy delves into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of art, arguing that true art must convey moral values and serve a higher purpose beyond aesthetics. Drawing from his own experiences as a writer and thinker, Tolstoy presents a thought-provoking analysis that challenges conventional views on the nature of art. Through engaging examples and thoughtful reflections, he invites readers to reconsider their understanding of artistic creation and consumption. Tolstoy’s work stands as a timeless contribution to the discourse on art and its significance in the human experience. Written with depth and intellectual rigor, ‘What Is Art?’ remains a seminal text in the field of literary criticism and cultural studies. Recommended for readers interested in exploring the intersection of art, morality, and societal values.
About the author
Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known to the English-speaking world as Leo Tolstoy, was one of the most acclaimed Russian writers, whose novels and moral philosophy left an indelible impact on literature and thought across the world. Born on September 9, 1828, in Tula Province, Russia, to an aristocratic family, Tolstoy’s expansive body of work includes such monumental novels as ‘War and Peace’ (1869) and ‘Anna Karenina’ (1877), which not only probe the depths of human emotion but also explore the complex social fabric of Russian society during the 19th century. Tolstoy’s literary style is distinguished by intricate character development and a profound understanding of human motivations, underpinned by his keen observation of social intricacies and individual psychologies. His narrative techniques often included a broad canvas that examined the minutiae of daily life, as well as larger, philosophical inquiries into existence and morality. In his later years, Tolstoy transitioned from fiction to more directly philosophical and social writings. In ‘What Is Art?’ (1897), Tolstoy confronts the very nature of art itself, proposing a framework for judging its value and effectiveness based on the criteria that true art must be intelligible and sincere, promoting the religious perception of goodness for its audience. His radical Christian anarchistic views found in works like ‘The Kingdom of God Is Within You’ (1894), influenced prominent figures such as Gandhi in nonviolent resistance. Tolstoy’s literary masterpieces, his outspoken social activism, and his philosophical treatises continue to resonate, securing his legacy as a titan of literature and a keen observer of the human condition. He died on November 20, 1910, but his works remain a cornerstone of the literary canon.
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