Page:Autobiography of Sophie Tolstoi.djvu/10

6 his teachings, and his numerous disciples and opponents were watching the struggle of the preacher to put his principles in practice in his own life. The whole question of the will and the going away of Tolstoi, of the difference with his wife, and of the subsequent dealings with his property, has given rise to an immense literature in Russia. As Spiridonov's preface shows, it is treated as a trial in which the whole of humanity is to judge between Tolstoi and his wife. The importance of this book lies in the fact that in it Countess Sophie Andreevna Tolstoi herself states her own case in full. The reader should, however, remember that it is only one side of the case.

We have ourselves added a few short appendices, giving some additional information with regard to some of the more important points and persons.