The more you transform your life from the material to the spiritual domain, the less you become afraid of death. Leo Tolstoy spoke these words, and they became Henry Stuart's raison d'etre. The Poet of Tolstoy Park is the unforgettable novel based on the true story of Henry Stuart's life, which was reclaimed from his doctor's belief that he would not live another year. Henry responds to the news by slogging home barefoot in the rain. It's 1925. The place: Canyon County, Idaho. Henry is sixty-seven, a retired professor and ...
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The more you transform your life from the material to the spiritual domain, the less you become afraid of death. Leo Tolstoy spoke these words, and they became Henry Stuart's raison d'etre. The Poet of Tolstoy Park is the unforgettable novel based on the true story of Henry Stuart's life, which was reclaimed from his doctor's belief that he would not live another year. Henry responds to the news by slogging home barefoot in the rain. It's 1925. The place: Canyon County, Idaho. Henry is sixty-seven, a retired professor and a widower who has been told a warmer climate would make the end more tolerable. San Diego would be a good choice. Instead, Henry chose Fairhope, Alabama, a town with utopian ideals and a haven for strong-minded individualists. Upton Sinclair, Sherwood Anderson, and Clarence Darrow were among its inhabitants. Henry bought his own ten acres of piney woods outside Fairhope. Before dying, underscored by the writings of his beloved Tolstoy, Henry could begin to perfect the soul awarded him and rest in the faith that he, and all people, would succeed, even if it took eons. Human existence, Henry believed, continues in a perfect circle unmarred by flaws of personality, irrespective of blood and possessions and rank, and separate from organized religion. In Alabama, until his final breath, he would chase these high ideas. But first, Henry had to answer up for leaving Idaho. Henry's dearest friend and intellectual sparring partner, Pastor Will Webb, and Henry's two adult sons, Thomas and Harvey, were baffled and angry that he would abandon them and move to the Deep South, living in a barn there while he built a round house of handmade concrete blocks. His new neighbors were perplexed by his eccentric behavior as well. On the coldest day of winter he was barefoot, a philosopher and poet with ideas and words to share with anyone who would listen. And, mysteriously, his last few months became years. He had gone looking for a place to learn lessons in dying, and, studiously advanced to claim a vigorous new life. The Poet of Tolstoy Park is a moving and irresistible story, a guidebook of the mind and spirit that lays hold of the heart. Henry Stuart points the way through life's puzzles for all of us, becoming in this timeless tale a character of such dimension that he seems more alive now than ever.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Size: 85x19x136; Flat signed by Sonny Brewer on title page. Hardcover and dust jacket. Good binding and cover. Shelf wear. Foxing to edges. *Autographed by author. *
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Seller's Description:
Fine in fine dust jacket. Signed by author. Case1-Shelf 5-12830. 254 p. Audience: General/trade. This is a SIGNED and Stated First Edition w/complete number line to 1. The Book is SIGNED by the author and includes his business card and the buisness card of the bookstore where the signing took place. The Book is in Fine used condition with a solid binding and free of remainder or previous owner markings. The Dust Jacket contains the publisher s price and is also in Fine used condition. Please see the provided photo of the book on sale. I m happy to provide additional pictures of any and all books for you, please just ask!
To each his own - this is one of my most beloved books. I just finished reading it a second time and am sure I will read it yet again. I gifted it to friends on my birthday after initially reading it, and I have just ordered 3 more gift copies. I am inspired by the story of a spiritual quest and the discovery of fulfillment in a life of utter simplicity. It is not an action oriented book but one of philosophy. I recommend it highly to those so inclined.
TinaB
Jan 19, 2009
After a man is given a short time to live by his doctor he travels from the west where he has two grown sons and moves to Alabama. This book is a well-written account of what might have been his thoughts and actions. He was a reader and his favorite author was Tolstoy. He also enjoys poetry. Brewer entertwines the facts from his life with the possibilities of his thoughts masterfully.
mamaevie
Oct 23, 2008
Poet of Tolstoy Park: Fantastic
Loved it from page 1. Seven of eight of our book club members agreed. Made me want to get over to Tolstoy Park ASAP.
