Sign-In
Cart
Master and Man
Paperback
PhilosophyMetaphysical GeneralSelf-Help
Publisher Price: $12.99
ISBN13: 9781835913413
Publisher: Global Book Company
Published: Jun 5 2026
Pages: 48
Weight: 0.30
Height: 0.10 Width: 8.50 Depth: 11.00
Language: English
Master and Man is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1895. Despite its brevity, the narrative is rich in philosophical depth and explores themes such as human nature, morality, and the pursuit of material wealth. The story is set against the backdrop of a Russian winter and follows the journey of two main characters, Vasili Andreevich Brekhunov (the master) and his servant, Nikita.
The plot unfolds as Vasili, a wealthy landowner, decides to undertake a business journey in the midst of a snowstorm. Nikita, his loyal servant, accompanies him. As the two travel through the treacherous conditions, the relationship between master and servant becomes a focal point for Tolstoy's exploration of human values.
The journey becomes a metaphor for life's journey, where Vasili's character represents the pursuit of material gain and success, while Nikita embodies the simplicity and humility of a common man. As the story progresses, the harsh weather conditions and the challenges of the journey test the characters' endurance and resilience, leading to a profound shift in their relationship.
Tolstoy uses the events in Master and Man to reflect on the deeper aspects of human existence. The narrative explores the moral consequences of self-centeredness, the nature of true wealth, and the significance of compassion and human connection. The climax of the story provides a moment of revelation and transformation, challenging the conventional notions of success and fulfillment.
Master and Man showcases Tolstoy's masterful storytelling and his ability to distill complex philosophical ideas into a concise narrative. The story's enduring appeal lies in its universal themes and the timeless questions it raises about the human condition. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, selflessness, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships in the face of life's challenges.
3 different editions
Also available
Also from
Leo Tolstoy
Also in
Philosophy
Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea
Hunt-Hendrix, Leah
Taylor, Astra
Hardcover
In the Beginning Was the Deed: Realism and Moralism in Political Argument
Williams, Bernard
Paperback
The American Indian Mind in a Linear World: American Indian Studies and Traditional Knowledge
Fixico, Donald Lee
Paperback
Dreaming of Cinema: Spectatorship, Surrealism, and the Age of Digital Media
Lowenstein, Adam
Paperback
Machine Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm: Spiritual Freedom and the Re-Animation of Matter
Lafitte, Luke
Paperback
The Sociogony: Social Facts and the Ontology of Objects, Things, and Monsters
Worrell, Mark P.
Paperback
On Quality: An Inquiry Into Excellence: Unpublished and Selected Writings
Pirsig, Wendy K.
Pirsig, Robert M.
Hardcover
The Electromagnetic Brain: Em Field Theories on the Nature of Consciousness
Joye, Shelli Renée
Paperback
Philosophy in Turbulent Times: Canguilhem, Sartre, Foucault, Althusser, Deleuze, Derrida
Roudinesco, Elisabeth
Paperback
The New Science of Giambattista Vico: Unabridged Translation of the Third Edition (1744) with the Addition of Practic of the New Science
Vico, Giambattista
Paperback
The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy
Giridharadas, Anand
Hardcover
The Dream of Reason: A History of Philosophy from the Greeks to the Renaissance
Gottlieb, Anthony
Paperback
The Modes of Scepticism: Ancient Texts and Modern Interpretations
Barnes, Jonathan
Julia, Annas
Annas, Julia
Paperback
Suffering and the Search for Meaning: Contemporary Responses to the Problem of Pain
Rice, Richard
Paperback
Friendship and Society: An Introduction to Augustine's Practical Philosophy
Burt, Donald X.
Paperback
The Philosophy of John Dewey: Volume 1. the Structure of Experience. Volume 2: The Lived Experience
Dewey, John
Paperback
Essays V2: Moral And Entertaining On The Various Faculties And Passions Of The Human Mind (1815)
Clarendon, Edward Hyde Earl of
Paperback
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Holiday, Ryan
Hanselman, Stephen
Hardcover
The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us
Goldstein, Rebecca Newberger
Hardcover
The Obstacle Is the Way Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials Into Triumph
Holiday, Ryan
Hardcover
Self-Help from the Middle Ages: What the Seven Deadly Sins Can Teach Us about Living
Jones, Peter
Hardcover
Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness
Godfrey-Smith, Peter
Paperback
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Fifth Anniversary Limited Edition: The Global Bestseller
Mackesy, Charlie
Hardcover
Bless & Release: The physics of letting go-and wanting what's meant for you.
Laporte, Danielle
Paperback
The Ethical Slut, Third Edition: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love
Hardy, Janet W.
Easton, Dossie
Paperback
Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan
Yoda, Hiroko
Hardcover
Self-Reliance and Nature: The Complete First and Second Series of Emerson's Essays
Emerson, Ralph Waldo
Hardcover