A portrait of Tolstoy by one who knew him well. Includes chapters on his ancestors, childhood, preparation for the University, first ideals, Tolstoy's art, the author's personal relationship with Tolstoy, the author's first visit to Yasnaya Polyana, his talk with Tolstoy on religion, the newspaper war between Tolstoy and Dillon, explanation of Tolstoy's conduct, why Tolstoy fled home, Tolstoy's contradictions, why Tolstoy was excommunicated.
