Lev Tolstoy Sevastopol Tales

Sevastopol Tales, originally published in 1855, are a collection of three short stories by the renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy. They are set during the Crimean War (1853–1856) and provide a first-hand account of the brutal reality of war from the perspective of a young military officer. Each story focuses on different aspects of war: the first, 'Sevastopol in December', focuses on the siege of Sevastopol, the second, 'Sevastopol in May', focuses on the daily lives of Russian soldiers defending the city, and the third, 'Sevastopol in August', focuses on the Battle of the Chernaya River. These powerful and poignant stories are essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the Crimean War and the impact of war on individuals. In the British tradition of the Victorian era, war stories such as those that make up this book were written in an eloquent and artistic style. They often portray the horrors of war realistically, while also seeking to promote a sense of patriotism and national unity. Written and published after Tolstoy’s experience of the Crimean War, he saw all the horrific things that he wrote of. 'Sevastopol Tales' has since become a literary landmark, recognized for its innovative storytelling and its insightful exploration of the human condition in the face of conflict.