Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known in English as Leo Tolstoy, was a Russian writer widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in all of literature. Born on September 9, 1828, at Yasnaya Polyana, his family's estate in the Tula Province of Russia, Tolstoy was a member of the Russian nobility. He is best known for epic novels like 'War and Peace' (1869) and 'Anna Karenina' (1877), the latter of which was poignantly translated by Constance Garnett in 1901, bringing the novel's meticulous psychological depth and vivid characters to an English-speaking audience. Tolstoy's literary style is characterized by his exploration of moral issues and the inner lives of characters, a technique that has had a profound influence on the development of the modern novel. His works explore a range of human emotions and the complexities of social relationships, while also delving deep into the philosophical questions of life, religion, and morality. Beyond his novels, Tolstoy also wrote short stories, essays, and plays. His moral and religious writings later in life influenced movements for social reform and nonviolent resistance worldwide. He died on November 20, 1910, in Astapovo, Russia, but his legacy endures as a touchstone for both literary achievement and the quest for ethical living.