Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy was born on September 9th (O.S. August 28th), marking the beginning of his life as a Russian nobleman and future literary giant. He would go on to leave an indelible mark on literature with his timeless novels and philosophical writings. This event marked the start of a journey that would take him from childhood to becoming one of the most celebrated authors in history. Tolstoy's birth was a significant event, setting the stage for the incredible literary achievements that followed.

Princess Mariya Tolstaya died at a young age, ending her life as a prominent figure in Russian society and leaving behind a legacy for her family.

Count Nikolai Ilyich Tolstoy passed away, marking the end of an era for his family and the loss of a significant public intellectual.

Pyotr Tolstoy began studying law and oriental languages at Kazan University, laying the groundwork for his future interests in politics and social reform.

Pyotr Tolstoy joined the army with his older brother to fight in the Caucasus, marking a significant turning point in his life as a young officer.

Tolstoy began working on his first major work, Childhood, Boyhood and Youth, which would eventually be published between 1852-1856. This trilogy marked Tolstoy's emergence as a writer and showcased his unique ability to weave complex narratives that explored the human condition. The publication of this trilogy solidified Tolstoy's reputation as a rising literary talent in Russia.

Pyotr Tolstoy's first novel, Childhood, was published, showcasing his early writing talent and setting the stage for his future literary career.

Tolstoy wrote in his diary about a successful hunting trip on March 23rd, 1852. He expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the hunt, showcasing his passion for hunting at that time.

The Siege of Sevastopol began during the Crimean War, drawing Pyotr Tolstoy into a conflict that would have a profound impact on his life and worldview.

Vladimir Chertkov was born as a companion to Tolstoy, who later formed the Tolstoyans, a Christian anarchist group, with this birth marking an early connection between Chertkov and Tolstoy's philosophical ideas.

The Siege of Sevastopol ended with the defeat of the Russian army, leaving Pyotr Tolstoy disillusioned with the brutal nature of war and its toll on human life.

Tolstoy witnessed a public execution in Paris during his first trip around Europe, an experience that had a profound impact on his worldview and spiritual development.

Tolstoy published Family Happiness, a novella that would go on to explore themes of family, morality, and social responsibility. This work showcased Tolstoy's growing interest in philosophical and social issues, foreshadowing his later writings on these topics. Family Happiness remains an important part of Tolstoy's literary canon.

Pyotr Tolstoy was born at Yasnaya Polyana, marking the beginning of his life in a rural setting that would shape his later writing and philosophy.

Tolstoy met Victor Hugo during his second trip around Europe, influencing his literary development and broadening his perspective on social issues.

Nikolay Tolstoy, the brother of Leo Tolstoy, died. This event had a profound impact on Tolstoy's life and may have influenced his writing as he grappled with grief and loss.

Tolstoy visited French anarchist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon in Brussels, discussing education and the printing press and deepening his understanding of anarchism and its principles.

Russia's peasants were emancipated from serfdom in a historic event that had far-reaching consequences for the country and its people. This marked a significant turning point in Russian history and may have influenced Tolstoy's thoughts on social justice and equality.

Tolstoy married Sophia Andreevna Behrs (Sonya) on September 23rd. The marriage brought stability and support to Tolstoy's life, but also presented challenges that would shape his relationships and writing.

Tolstoy published War and Peace, a sweeping epic that would become one of the most iconic novels in literature. This masterpiece explored themes of love, family, loyalty, and war, cementing Tolstoy's position as a major literary voice. War and Peace is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written.

Tolstoy experiences spiritual delights after reading Schopenhauer's The World as Will and Representation, leading him to consider ascetic renunciation.

Tolstoy experienced a moral crisis that would ultimately lead to his spiritual awakening. This period marked a turning point in Tolstoy's life, as he began to question the social norms and conventions that had governed his life until then. His newfound awareness of his own spirituality would shape his writing and worldview for years to come.

Wrote soldier songs and fairy tales in verse during this period, showcasing his early literary endeavors.

Completed writing soldier songs and fairy tales in verse, highlighting his growth as a writer during this time period.

Tolstoy published Anna Karenina, a novel that would become one of the most celebrated works of literature in history. This tragic love story explores themes of passion, morality, and social class, solidifying Tolstoy's reputation as a masterful storyteller. Anna Karenina remains an enduring classic of world literature.

Tolstoy published his non-fiction work Confession, which would become a deeply personal and philosophical exploration of his spiritual journey. This work marked Tolstoy's commitment to his newfound Christian anarchist and pacifist beliefs, reflecting his growing interest in social justice and personal spirituality.

In 1882, Tolstoy was introduced to vegetarianism, which would later become a significant aspect of his life and philosophy.

Tolstoy writes 'What I Believe', a philosophical treatise that outlines his views on Christianity and nonviolent resistance.

During the autumn of 1885, Tolstoy was influenced by William Fay/Vladimir Konstantinovich Geins to adopt a vegetarian diet, marking the beginning of his shift towards a more compassionate lifestyle.

Tolstoy published The Death of Ivan Ilyich, a novella that would explore the complexities of mortality, morality, and human existence. This work showcased Tolstoy's unique ability to probe the depths of the human condition, offering profound insights into the nature of life and death.

Published the novella 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich', which would later become a significant work in his oeuvre, cementing his reputation for realistic depictions of Russian society.

Tolstoy wrote to Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay expressing his support for the anthropologist's work on refuting polygenism and promoting universal human values, demonstrating Tolstoy's interest in promoting a more inclusive and equitable worldview.

Tolstoy published The Kreutzer Sonata, a novella that would explore themes of love, morality, and personal responsibility. This work marked Tolstoy's continued exploration of philosophical and social issues, reflecting his commitment to his Christian anarchist and pacifist beliefs.

In 1890, Tolstoy adopted a strict vegetarian diet and wrote a preface for an anti-hunting pamphlet titled 'Zlaia zabava', further solidifying his opposition to hunting and the exploitation of animals.

Tolstoy obtained a copy of Howard Williams's book 'The Ethics of Diet' in 1891, which played a significant role in shaping his vegetarian beliefs and informing his writings on the subject.

Vladimir Chertkov founded the Tolstoyans, a small Christian anarchist group that spread Tolstoy's teachings, furthering the dissemination of Tolstoy's philosophical ideas and influencing the development of Christian anarchist thought.

In 1893, Tolstoy published 'The First Step', an introductory essay to the Russian translation of Williams's book, introducing his philosophical views on vegetarianism to a wider audience.

Tolstoy raised awareness about the Doukhobors' persecution through a peaceful protest, sparking public outcry and eventual support for their cause in Russia and abroad.

Tolstoy published Resurrection, a novel that would explore the complexities of redemption, morality, and personal transformation. This work showcased Tolstoy's unique ability to weave complex narratives that explored the human condition, offering profound insights into the nature of justice and forgiveness.

The publication of 'Resurrection', a novel that incorporated Georgist ideas, led to Tolstoy's excommunication from the Russian Orthodox Church due to its perceived heresy.

Tolstoy's philosophy of non-resistance to evil and truth resonated deeply with Gandhi, who was inspired by his concept of satyagraha, a term that would later become synonymous with non-violent civil disobedience.

Tolstoy was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote peace and social justice. This nomination marked Tolstoy's growing commitment to his pacifist and Christian anarchist beliefs, reflecting his desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Was excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox Church due to his radical anarcho-pacifist philosophy and Christian ideals, marking a pivotal point in his life and literary career.

Burton Holmes, Albert J. Beveridge, and Tolstoy visit Yasnaya Polyana with a 60-mm movie camera to capture the Russian author's image.

Tolstoy was nominated for a Nobel Prize in Literature every year from 1902 to 1906. This recognition marked Tolstoy's growing reputation as a major literary talent, solidifying his position among the greatest writers of his time.

Tolstoy wrote an open letter denouncing Tsar Nicholas II's activities in China, criticizing the intervention by the Eight-Nation Alliance and calling for an end to the violence and human rights abuses.

Tolstoy removed eggs from his vegetarian diet in 1903, marking one of the few instances where he deviated from his strict vegetarian principles, although he still maintained a predominantly plant-based diet.

Tolstoy penned a letter to Japanese Buddhist priest Soyen Shaku, attempting to forge a joint pacifist statement between Christians and Buddhists in response to the Russo-Japanese War.

Tolstoy spoke out against the Russo-Japanese War, using his literary platform to condemn the conflict and advocate for peace and non-intervention.

The Russian Revolution took place in 1905, marking a significant turning point in the country's history and shaping Tolstoy's views on equality and labor.

Tolstoy authored 'A Letter to a Hindu' in 1908, offering insights into his views on non-violence as a means for India to gain independence from colonial rule, showcasing Tolstoy's commitment to promoting moral revolution and regeneration of the inner man.

Tolstoy was nominated for a second Nobel Peace Prize, reflecting his continued commitment to promoting peace and social justice. This nomination marked Tolstoy's unwavering dedication to his pacifist and Christian anarchist beliefs, solidifying his reputation as a champion of human rights.

Tolstoy passed away on November 20th (O.S. November 7th), marking the end of an era in literature and leaving behind a legacy of timeless novels, philosophical writings, and spiritual teachings that continue to inspire generations around the world.

Tolstoy died on November 20th, marking the end of an extraordinary life that spanned approximately 82 years, leaving behind a legacy as a profound influence on Christian anarchist thought and a champion of non-violence.

Tolstoy's Departure from Home: A Winter Night of Secretion

Tolstoy's Regret Over Former Habits: A Slaughterhouse Experience in Tula

Tolstoy's Health Improvement: Adopting a Vegetarian Diet