The Devil and Other Stories (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Richard F. Gustafson (Editor), Louise Maude (Translator), (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This collection of eleven stories spans virtually the whole of Tolstoy's creative life. While each is unique in form, as a group they are representative of his style, and touch on the central themes that surface in War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Stories as different as "The Snowstorm", "Lucerne", "The Diary of a Madman", and "The Devil" are grounded in autobiographical experience. They deal with journeys of self-discovery and the moral and religious thought that characterizes Tolstoy's works of criticism and philosophy. "Strider" and "Father Sergy", as well as reflecting Tolstoy's own experiences, also reveal profound psychological insights. These stories range over much of the nineteenth-century Russian world, from the nobility to the peasantry, the military to the clergy, from merchants and cobblers to a horse and a tree. Together they present a fascinating picture of Tolstoy's skill and artistry.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian

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Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Later Printing edition (August 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192839268
• ISBN-13: 978-0192839268
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,390,340 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant short stories from a Master of Russian Literature, February 17, 2009

By	Eric S. Kim (Southern California) - See all my reviews

These are wonderful short stories by Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest writers to have come from Russia. Every story on this collection deals with Tolstoy's real-life observations and experiences. Each contains issures that are either social, religious, philsophical, or (in only a few occasions) political. For example, "The Devil" deals with the consequences of sexuality, while "Strider: The Story of a Horse" tells of both animal cruelty and flaws of the social class. "Lucerne" and "Diary of a Madman" consist of journal entries by people who deal with the real world.

All in all, I would recommend these short stories to all Tolstoy fans, and fans of Russian Literature in general. Grade: A

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Translation and Introduction, January 4, 2008

By	Theophilus - See all my reviews

Oxford World Classics have been my choice in Russian literature for many years now. These works typically provide excellent introductions and translations of the great Russian literary masters of the 19th century. This book is no exception. Compared to other versions of these stories, I find this book combines the formality of Russian literary style with the simplicity of a casual reader; it captures the mood of the story and relates it quite well to the reader. I would highly recommend this and other Oxford World Classics works.