Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known as Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910), was a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time. Born to an aristocratic Russian family in 1828, he is best known for his epic novels 'War and Peace' (1869) and 'Anna Karenina' (1877), which have been celebrated for their complex characters and detailed depiction of Russian society. Tolstoy's literary style combines realist narrative with a profound moralistic and philosophical introspection. Beyond his novels, Tolstoy also wrote shorter fiction, essays, and plays. His later works became more didactic as he developed a unique Christian anarchist and pacifist philosophy, which was central to 'The Kingdom of God is Within You' (1894). This particular work, banned in Russia for its anti-establishment views, argues for nonviolent resistance and influenced figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Tolstoy's moral and spiritual writings contributed significantly to his reputation as a moral thinker and social reformer. Despite his aristocratic background, he sought to live a simpler life during his later years, following a moralistic and ascetic philosophy deeply influenced by his understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ.