TOLSTOY, Leo N. Gedachten over God.

(Haarlem, The Netherlands): Vrede, 1898. First Dutch edition. Softcover. 21 by 13.7cm. 25 pages. The first Dutch edition of one of Tolstoy’s most influential religious essays, published during the period in which he rejected the authority of the Russian Orthodox Church in favour of a universal, ethical Christianity founded upon the teachings of the Gospels. These later religious writings profoundly influenced European pacifist and reform movements and, most notably, Mahatma Gandhi, with whom Tolstoy corresponded during the final years of his life. Issued by the Haarlem pacifist and reformist publisher Vrede, this uncommon pamphlet reflects the early dissemination of Tolstoy’s religious thought in the Netherlands, where his ethical and social philosophy found a particularly receptive audience. A good copy in wrappers, some wear and tear at head and tail of spine. Frontis portrait of Tolstoy is present.