One of the world’s most famous writers, Leo Tolstoy, is probably best known for his epic romantic works “Anna Karenina” and “War and Peace”. In addition to being the author of some of the greatest novels ever written, Tolstoy was also a prolific short-story writer. This little collection includes four of his shorter works. First we find the titular “What Men Live By”, a tale concerning a humble shoemaker named Simon who while running errands stumbles upon a mysterious naked man. Simon decides to help the man and consequently discovers there is more to this person than he could have ever possibly imagined. Second in this collection is “Three Questions”, a parable of a king who seeks the answers to what he believes is life’s three most important questions. Third in this volume is “The Coffee-House of Surat”, a story in which a coffee-house serves as the setting for a theological discussion. Lastly we find “How Much Land Does a Man Need?”, in which a peasant named Pahom proclaims that if he had enough land he would not fear the devil himself. Unbeknownst to him, Satan hears him and takes him up on the challenge. In this collection we find a common theme amongst Tolstoy’s short stories, an examination of bigger metaphysical and religious questions. This edition includes a biographical afterword and follows the translations of Louise and Aylmer Maude.
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