What is Art?

"Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced."

This essay, first published in English in 1898, challenges the notion that art's value lies solely in beauty or technical skill. Tolstoy redefines art as a moral and emotional force, and argues that true art is the sincere communication of feeling from artist to audience, fostering positive emotions and societal unity, and rejecting the notion that art can be morally corrupting. He argues that the essence of art lies in its ability to convey emotional truth and urges his audience to re-evaluate how art is perceived and practised in society. Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. He is best known for his epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, both celebrated for their intricate character development and profound exploration of moral dilemmas and human nature. In his later years, Tolstoy experienced a spiritual awakening which led him to reject materialism and embrace a life of simplicity, seeking to align his life with his beliefs about non-violence and compassion. Tolstoy's legacy endures not only through his literary masterpieces but also through his profound impact on literature and philosophy.

© 2022 SNR Audio (Audiobook): 9781915268655

Translators: Louise Maude, Aylmer Maude

Release date

Audiobook: 27 November 2022