Book Description

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. "What is Art" (Что Такое Искусство) was completed in Russian in 1897, but first published in English due to Russian censorship issues, Tolstoy's work delves deeply into the considerable investment of time, effort, public funds and societal respect for art and artists, as well as navigating the nebulousness of collective views on art as a motivation for writing the book. In his own words, he mentions that "it is difficult to say what is meant by art, and especially what is good, useful art, art for the sake of which we might tolerate such sacrifices as are offered at its shrine". The book as a whole illustrates Tolstoy's unyielding moralism, judging works of art through the lens of his radical Christian ethics and showing a willingness to reject recognised masters such as Wagner, Shakespeare and Dante, as well as a significant part of his own literary output. Avoiding the use of beauty as a means of defining art, Tolstoy formulates a concept of art as a medium that conveys emotion. "Art is not pleasure, comfort or amusement; art is a great work. Art is the organ of the life of mankind, translating the rational consciousness of men into feeling. In our time, the common religious consciousness of men is the consciousness of the brotherhood of men and of their good in mutual unity. True science must indicate the various ways of applying this consciousness to life. Art must translate this consciousness into feeling."