The Cossacks A Caucasian Tale of 1852

Book excerpt: A new translation into modern American English directly from the original Russian manuscript. This edition contains an Afterword by the translator, a timeline of Tolstoy's life and works, and a glossary of philosophic terminology used throughout Tolstoy's literature and philosophy. The Cossacks A Caucasian Tale of 1852 (1852) is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that recounts the experiences of a young Russian aristocrat, Olenin, who joins the military and travels to the Caucasus region. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, the novella delves into Olenin's fascination with the Cossack way of life and his romantic involvement with a local girl named Maryanka. Through Olenin's journey of self-discovery and his interactions with the Cossacks, Tolstoy explores the clash between the allure of a simpler, unspoiled existence and the complexities of modern society. The novella's literary merit lies in its vivid descriptions of the natural world, its introspective portrayal of Olenin's character development, and its thematic exploration of the search for authentic meaning and belonging.