Publisher's Synopsis
This volume consists of a new translation of Leo Tolstoy's, THE GOSPELS IN BRIEF, from the original Russian into contemporary English. After Tolstoy completed A Translation, Harmony, and Analysis of the Gospels, in 1891, he realized that it was hardly beneficial for the general reader due to its complexity and intensity of detail, and so about 10 years later in 1902, he published another volume that consisted of the introductions and summaries of the 12 chapters, under the title of The Gospels in Brief. Tolstoy's approach as a humanist philosopher is to focus on the specific teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, so he was able to uncover the understanding it its correct application. This is why what the world needs is Leo Tolstoy's understanding of the Gospel, and not the one provided by historical or contemporary Christianity, which has failed its founder. Included is also a brief biography of Leo Tolstoy, an analysis of his Christian humanist philosophy, and a description of Russia during his era, so to better understand his purpose, also a selection of passages from some of Tolstoy's other writings. Daniel H. Shubin has translated much of Leo Tolstoy, including War and Peace, The Kingdom of God is within You, Confession, What I Believe, and The Four Gospels, along with other books on Russian history, philosophy and biography.
