Is 'The Death Of Ivan Ilyich' Included In 'Great Short Works Of Leo Tolstoy'?

As someone who's read both 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' and 'Great Short Works of Leo Tolstoy', I can confirm it's absolutely included. This collection actually uses Tolstoy's masterpiece as its centerpiece, which makes perfect sense considering how powerfully it encapsulates his philosophical depth in just 50 pages. The version I have pairs it with other brilliant shorts like 'Master and Man' and 'Father Sergius', creating this perfect sampler of Tolstoy's range from psychological depth to spiritual crisis narratives. Penguin's edition even includes insightful footnotes about Tolstoy's own mortality fears that influenced Ivan's story.

Having studied Russian literature for years, I always recommend 'Great Short Works of Leo Tolstoy' as the definitive gateway into his genius precisely because it contains 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich'. This isn't just some random inclusion - the editors clearly structured the collection around it, letting readers see how Tolstoy's exploration of mortality evolved across different works.

What's fascinating is how the collection shows contrasting approaches to similar themes. While 'Ivan Ilyich' dissects death through bureaucratic realism, 'The Devil' tackles passion's destructive power with raw intensity, and 'Alyosha the Pot' finds transcendence in simplicity. The translations maintain Tolstoy's signature psychological precision, especially in those brutal internal monologues where Ivan confronts his wasted life.

For newcomers, this collection's real value lies in seeing Tolstoy's range. You get the courtroom drama of 'God Sees the Truth, But Waits', the folk wisdom of 'Three Questions', and the haunting parable 'What Men Live By' - all orbiting around the gravitational pull of his most celebrated novella. Modern Library's edition even includes rare early sketches showing how Tolstoy refined Ivan's character.

Just finished comparing multiple editions, and yes - every version of 'Great Short Works of Leo Tolstoy' features 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' prominently. What surprised me is how different publishers frame it. Harper Perennial positions it as the climax, building up through shorter pieces. Everyman's Library treats it as the anchor, flanked by lesser-known gems like 'The Kreutzer Sonata'.

The story's inclusion makes this collection essential. Tolstoy packs more existential dread into Ivan's final days than most writers manage in entire novels. That moment when he realizes his whole life might've been wrong? Chilling every time. The collection also includes 'Family Happiness', showing Tolstoy's early romanticism contrasting sharply with Ivan's bleak epiphanies.

If you enjoy this, try 'The Cossacks' next - it's Tolstoy at his most adventurous, following a disillusioned aristocrat finding purpose in the Caucasus. Completely different tone, same masterful characterization.