The Cossacks and Other Stories

The Cossacks and Other Stories

About the Book

A collection of powerful semi-autobiographical stories based on Tolstoy's time in the Russian army, part of Penguin's series of fresh new translations

In 1851, at the age of twenty-two, Tolstoy joined the Russian army. The four years he spent as a soldier were among the most significant in his life and inspired the tales collected here. In "The Cossacks," Tolstoy tells the story of Olenin, a cultured Russian whose experiences among the Cossack warriors of Central Asia leave him searching for a more authentic life. "The Sevastopol Sketches" bring into stark relief the realities of military life during the Crimean War. And "Hadji Murat" paints a portrait of a great leader torn apart by divided loyalties. In writing about individuals and societies in conflict, Tolstoy has penned some of the most brilliant stories about the nature of war.

Penguin Classics is the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, representing a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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About the Author

Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was born in central Russia. After serving in the Crimean War, he retired to his estate and devoted himself to writing, farming, and raising his large family. His novels and outspoken social polemics brought him world fame. More by Leo Tolstoy
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About the Author

Paul Foote
Paul Foote was, until his retirement, a university lecturer in Russian and fellow of The Queen’s College, Oxford. More by Paul Foote
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About the Author

David McDuff
David McDuff was educated at the University of Edinburgh and has translated a number of works for Penguin Classics, including Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. More by David McDuff
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About the Author

Paul Foote
Paul Foote was, until his retirement, a university lecturer in Russian and fellow of The Queen’s College, Oxford. More by Paul Foote
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About the Author

David McDuff
David McDuff was educated at the University of Edinburgh and has translated a number of works for Penguin Classics, including Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. More by David McDuff
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