Volume 2 of Tolstoy's Short Stories

In December, I decided I would read the two volumes of Tolstoy's Short Fiction, and Anna Karenina.

Why would I engage in such Bibliophilia?

Because I was making preparations for the release of Anthony Brigg's new translation of War and Peace.

So, I wanted to read the major works to give me the artistic context of the great war and peace. Also, b/c I hate working.

Now, I am quarter way through Volume 2. Volume 1 has some good stories but Volume 2 is intense. Almost consecutively, I read 'The Death of Ivan Ilych'; 'How Much Land Does a Man Need?' & 'Kreutzer Sonata.'

So after that I had put the book down. But now I'm read to jump in and read a few stories. The intensity is good. Plus, I'd feel bad about shelling out $30.00 for the new Anthony Brigg's tranlsation when I hadn't really gotten my money's worth from thosee Tolstoy purchases.