John Sutherland

The book that Boris should give to all seniors, along with their Freedom Passes

Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich shows we don't think about life until death looms — and the newest translation, by the late Peter Carson, has an intriguing back story

Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, writer and aesthetic philosopher Photo: Getty

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in