Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known as Leo Tolstoy, was a towering figure in Russian literature and is widely considered one of the greatest novelists of all time. Born into Russian nobility on September 9, 1828, in Yasnaya Polyana, Tolstoy's experiences with loss and educational endeavors profoundly shaped his philosophical and literary trajectory. His works are notable for their intricate character development, moral introspection, and detailed observations of 19th-century Russian life. Tolstoy's literary mastery is exemplified in his epics, 'War and Peace' (1865–1869) and 'Anna Karenina' (1877). Beyond his novels, he also wrote compelling short stories, essays, and plays. His foray into the epistolary genre includes 'A Letter to a Hindu' (1908), wherein he expounds on non-violent resistance, reflecting his late-life turn to spiritual and ethical issues. In parallel with Mahatma Gandhi's principles, Tolstoy's advocacy for non-violence influenced political activism around the world. His didactic works, such as 'The Kingdom of God Is Within You' (1894), further illustrate his philosophical stance against the Orthodox Church and government, promoting instead Christian anarchism. Tolstoy's literary style is marked by his use of realism, exploration of existential anxiety, and commentary on social injustices. He died on November 20, 1910, leaving a legacy of works that continue to provoke thought and emotion in an unending dialogue about the human condition.