The Death of Ivan Ilyich & Other Stories (Wordsworth Classics) Paperback – 5 Dec. 2004

Great quality & book

The Death of Ivan Ilyich & Other Stories" by Leo Tolstoy is a collection that exemplifies the depth and brilliance of one of the greatest writers in literary history. This Wordsworth Classics edition provides an accessible and affordable way to experience Tolstoy’s profound insights into the human condition, making it a must-read for anyone interested in literature that challenges and enlightens.The Death of Ivan Ilyich: The titular novella, "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," is a powerful meditation on mortality, the meaning of life, and the often overlooked truths of our existence. Tolstoy masterfully captures the existential dread that accompanies the realization of death, as the protagonist, Ivan Ilyich, confronts the reality of his own impending demise. The story is as much about the falsehoods we live by as it is about the inevitability of death. Tolstoy’s exploration of Ivan’s internal journey—from denial to acceptance—is both heartbreaking and enlightening, forcing the reader to reflect on their own life choices and priorities.Other Stories: The collection also includes several other short stories that showcase Tolstoy’s ability to weave complex characters and moral dilemmas into compelling narratives. "The Kreutzer Sonata," for example, delves into the darker aspects of love, jealousy, and obsession, while "The Devil" explores the destructive power of lust and temptation. Each story is a testament to Tolstoy’s deep understanding of human nature and his ability to portray it with unflinching honesty.Themes and Writing Style: Tolstoy’s writing is both clear and profound, making even the most complex themes accessible to the reader. His exploration of themes such as the nature of happiness, the superficiality of societal norms, and the inevitability of death resonates deeply, offering timeless lessons that are as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. The stories are not only thought-provoking but also beautifully written, with a narrative style that draws you in and holds your attention from beginning to end.The Wordsworth Classics Edition: This edition by Wordsworth Classics is well-presented, with a straightforward and informative introduction that provides context to the stories. The translation is clear and faithful to Tolstoy’s original intent, making it an excellent choice for both first-time readers of Tolstoy and those revisiting his work. The book is also affordably priced, making it accessible to a wide audience.Conclusion: "The Death of Ivan Ilyich & Other Stories" is a collection that should be on every reader’s bookshelf. Tolstoy’s ability to probe the depths of the human soul is unparalleled, and these stories are a testament to his genius. Whether you are drawn to the existential questions posed in "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" or the moral complexities in his other tales, this collection offers a rich, rewarding reading experience that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking literature that challenges the mind and touches the heart.

These stories give an excellent view of Tolstoy's vision on the real nature of man, his place in our world, on sex, marriage and women, on man's ultimate destiny and on morals.For Tolstoy, man as a species is barely more than an animal incapable of controlling his `animal passion'. More, `it is perhaps better that people should be pure animals, then they would not suffer from death and disease.'In `The Devil', the main character commits suicide because he cannot control his sexual drive ('his swinish life'). In `The Kreutzer Sonata', the main character knows his wife `only as an animal and nothing can restrain an animal.'To have sex is `necessary for physical health', but the solution lays in no way in marriage.In `Family Happiness', the novelty of the first years of marriage (`the wild delight') turns into routine. Pure love for her man becomes `love for her children and the father of her children.'But in `The Death of Ivan Ilyich', `conjugal love was in reality a very intricate and different business.' And, in `The Devil', marriage is not less than sin, `a deviation from the doctrine of Christ'.`The Kreutzer Sonata' is not less than the killing of marriage as an institute.For sex one needs a partner. Here, L. Tolstoy shows his serious misogyny. In `The Devil' it is crystal clear who the devil is and who constantly reminds the main character of his sexual drive. In `The Kreutzer Sonata': `that the women of our society have other interest in life than prostitutes, but I say no.'The only solution then is chastity and celibacy, in other words the extinction of mankind. Tolstoy has absolutely no problem with this outcome, for in any case science tells us that mankind is doomed with the death of the sun!Chastity and celibacy makes of man still more an island. In `The Death of Ivan Ilyich', the main character `cried at his awful loneliness, the cruelty of people, the cruelty and the absence of God.'If celibacy is Tolstoy's ideal of humanity what should man do? `Family Happiness' gives us the answer: `in life there is only one certain happiness - living for others.'As science has proven, pure altruism is a synonym for evolutionary death.This extremely emotionally driven short stories reveal clearly Tolstoy's demons and his catastrophic vision on mankind.Not to be missed.

The book is split into four unequal short stories, with the first three taking up the majority of the book, ('The Devil' is the shortest story). Tolstoy expresses some very interesting, albeit occasionally controversial, ideas in the stories; the way he framed the character's dialogues (either narrating in the first person, or interacting amongst themselves), is top quality, and the descriptive sections are a real breath of fresh air compared to some of the books available.I am not usually keen on fiction, but there are many ideas to be explored and lessons to take away - happy reading.

I had never read Tolstoy before, being put off by the length and perhaps depth of his books. But short stories would be ok, wouldn't they? And yes, they were. I really enjoyed the four stories in the collection, especially Ivan Ilyich, the most compelling tale of dying I have ever read. Not a death bravely born but a person who goes kicking and screaming out of life. The introduction section was really interesting, I read each story and then read the commentary, and this helped me with where Tolstoy was in his life as he wrote each one. A fairly major step back for female emancipation, but I found it so interesting to read his views on marriage and relationships. And Russia. I will now brave War and Peace I think.

The introduction provides an excellent overview of key themes in these short stories by Tolstoy. This helps readers to look for the development of his core concerns over the years as he wrestled with the meaning of life and many aspects of the human condition that ring true to modern readers from our own experiences today. I was especially interested to see how his attitude towards women evolved. This collection is highly recommended!