An Appeal to the Clergy of All Countries
first edition
1903 · London
by Tolstoy, Leo
London: The Free Age Press, 1903. First Edition. Very good. First English edition; 6 1/2 x 4 1/4; pp. [3], 6-23, [1]; green wraps, printed in reddish-brown; a few spots of foxing, mostly affecting the upper margin of front wrap and first few leaves; previous owner's stamp to title page (Santa Cruz, CA artist Alan R. Hiley); very good condition.Beginning as early as 1882, Tolstoy began criticizing the Russian Orthodox Church with increasing frequency and vigor, in his writings and in his speeches, which resulted in the imprisonment of a number of his followers for reading his books and his eventual excommunication in 1901. He even received several threats on his life. In answer to the initiated persecution, Tolstoy wrote his "An Appeal to the Clergy" in 1902, had it translated by Vladimir Tchertkov (1854 - 1936) - owner of The Free Age Press, editor of most of Leo's works and one of the most famous Tolstoyans - and had it published in London in 1903. It was, allegedly, hailed as "one of the most heated indictments of the church and organized religion ever produced." (Inventory #: 002599)