The book of the writer and literary critic, senior researcher of the Leo Tolstoy Museum, Daria Eremeeva, based on the study and analysis of the works of Leo Tolstoy, his letters and diaries, memoirs of his relatives, friends and followers, is an extraordinary look at the personality of the Yasnaya Polyana genius. In this book, Tolstoy is ironic, playing tricks on his neighbors, fooling around with children, doing ridiculous acts and joking a lot. An experienced guide, Daria Eremeeva, also debunks many persistent myths about Tolstoy's character and gives the reader answers to questions frequently asked by visitors to the museum, namely: “What kind of family man was he? How did he raise his children? How did he treat women? Is it true that he was very strong physically? Did he love animals? Why did he begin to deny pure art, criticize science and stop going to church? And finally: Tolstoy does not smile anywhere in photos and portraits. Did he even have a sense of humor? "

The book is supplied with rich illustrative material provided by the Leo Tolstoy State Museum.