LEO TOLSTOY: A CONSERVATIVE INNOVATOR IN TRANSCULTURAL ENGLISH CONTEXT

Abstract

The oxymoronic combination “conservative innovator” attempts to describe the coexistence of converse attitudes in Tolstoy’s philosophy and aesthetics, which determined, among other things, his reception in the world. The analysis of recent English studies leads to a conclusion on the direct link between Tolstoy’s quests and modernity as well as on the special significance of his heritage for understanding transcultural dialogue in the present century.