"Sevastopol Stories"

"Sevastopol Stories" (1855-1856) is a cycle of three works by Leo Tolstoy dedicated to the defense of Sevastopol. Tolstoy participated in military actions in the Caucasus for over three years (1851-1854). Narrating about the defenders of Sevastopol, Tolstoy discovered a new talent within himself - that of a military writer. He revealed the true nature of war, military valor, and bravery that overcomes fear. The writer came to know and love the simple Russian people - soldiers, officers, feeling himself as a part of a huge whole - the people, the army, defending their land. High humanity, glorification of peace as a natural state of life are combined in the Sevastopol Stories with patriotic inspiration. The book also includes two stories, "The Wood-Cutting" and "The Snowstorm," written during the same period.