Sevastopol Stories

Sevastopol Stories (1855 – 1856) – a cycle of three works by Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, dedicated to the defense of Sevastopol. Tolstoy participated in military actions in the Caucasus for more than three years (1851 – 1854). By narrating about the defenders of Sevastopol, Tolstoy discovered a new talent in himself – that of a war writer. He told the true story of war, of military valor and courage, overcoming fear. The writer came to know and love the simple Russian people – soldiers, officers; he felt himself a part of a huge whole – the people, the army, defending their land. High humanity, the glorification of peace as the natural state of life are combined in Sevastopol Stories with patriotic inspiration. The book also includes two stories "The Felling of the Forest" and "The Snowstorm," written during the same period.