From the dust jacket:
One of the world's most famous and admired writers, Leo Tolstoy brings the same passion and realistic portrayals to his stories that he does to his epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Tolstoy's ability to get inside his characters' minds and hearts has made his clever tales favorites of generations of readers the world over. This extraordinary volume created especially for children brings together many of those works along with stunning color illustrations.
Tolstoy's plots are set in nineteenth-century Russia, but their appeal is universal. His crisp, clear writing style leaves readers feeling as if they are actually experiencing the actions and emotions themselves.
All of the stories will surprise you with their unpredictable plot twists. In "God Sees the Truth, But Waits," two prisoners struggle with their consciences as they are torn between revenge and forgiveness until fate brings about a surprising conclusion. What seems at first to be a steal turns out to be something more than bargained for in "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" Tolstoy's withering narrative of a peasant's ever-growing obsession with acquiring property.
Some of Tolstoy's work takes the form of folktales. "The Empty Drum," for example, teaches us what is truly important in life. Unlike most fairy tales, here the beautiful peasant girl uses her wits and magic to avoid marrying the king. "The Imp and the Crust" also uses magic, both good and evil, to point out people's unhealthy devotion to status and belongings. And in "Three Questions," a king learns firsthand that actions speak louder than words and that the most important time is now.
Translated from the Russian by Louise and Aylmer Maude, who knew the author personally, these stories will give you a new perspective on life, love, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
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