This collection brings together some of Leo Tolstoy’s most profound and philosophical short stories, including The Death of Ivan Ilyich, one of his greatest works. The title story follows Ivan Ilyich, a successful bureaucrat who, upon facing a terminal illness, undergoes a harrowing existential crisis. As he confronts death, he realizes the emptiness of his materialistic life and searches for meaning in his final moments. Other stories in the collection explore themes of morality, redemption, and the human struggle for truth.

Why read this book?

• Offers a deeply moving meditation on death, suffering, and the search for meaning.

• Showcases Tolstoy’s mastery of psychological depth and moral inquiry.

• Includes some of the most powerful short fiction ever written.

• A perfect introduction to Tolstoy’s philosophical and literary genius.

About the Author

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist and thinker, best known for War and Peace and Anna Karenina. His later works, including The Death of Ivan Ilyich, reflect his deep philosophical and religious concerns. He remains one of the most influential figures in world literature.