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Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (September 9, 1828 – November 20, 1910) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer, widely regarded as one of the greatest authors in world literature. Born at the family estate of Yasnaya Polyana in Tula Province, Russia, Tolstoy experienced a privileged upbringing but faced personal tragedy early in life with the deaths of both parents.

Tolstoy’s literary career began with semi-autobiographical works such as Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth (1852-1856), but he gained international fame with his epic novels War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1877). These works are celebrated for their intricate character development and profound exploration of themes such as love, morality, and the complexities of Russian society.

Throughout his life, Tolstoy underwent significant philosophical and spiritual transformations. After serving in the army during the Crimean War, he became disillusioned with violence and materialism. His experiences led him to adopt a radical Christian anarchist philosophy, emphasizing nonviolence and simple living. He wrote extensively on these themes in essays such as The Kingdom of God is Within You (1894), which influenced figures like Mahatma Gandhi.

Tolstoy married Sofia Andreevna Bers in 1862, and they had thirteen children together. Despite early happiness, their marriage became strained due to Tolstoy’s evolving beliefs and lifestyle changes. In his later years, he sought to live a more ascetic life, rejecting many of his earlier works as inconsistent with his moral views.

He died at the age of 82 at a train station in Astapovo after leaving his estate in search of a simpler life. Tolstoy’s legacy endures through his literary masterpieces and his profound impact on literature, philosophy, and social thought. He is buried at Yasnaya Polyana, where his tomb remains a site of pilgrimage for admirers worldwide.