University of Ottawa Tolstoy and Tolstaya: A Portrait of a Life in Letters

Explore the personal history of one of literature's most famous couples through their extensive written correspondence. Both Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy and Sofia Andreevna Tolstaya were prolific writers, with Lev composing approximately 10,000 letters during his lifetime. This collection provides a deeper look into their relationship by addressing the gaps left by previous publications. Historically, when Sofia Tolstaya published Lev's letters to her, she chose not to include her own 644 letters back to him. This omission meant that readers often missed the context behind his comments, sometimes leading to incorrect conclusions about their life together. By examining their exchange, this book helps clarify the meaning behind their words and offers a more complete view of their shared experiences. This work is an essential addition for readers interested in Russian history and the lives of significant historical figures.