Aristocratic ancestry

In Russia in the 1800s class defines everything about life. Most of the revered Russian writers of Leo Tolstoy’s generation are gentry, giving them the time and resources to pursue their passion, but Tolstoy is one of the few from the highest social rank. He is a member of the aristocracy and Russia is ruled by the all powerful aristocracy. Tolstoy’s ancestors include Peter Andreyevich Tolstoy, who was appointed ambassador to Constantinople by Peter the Great, and a Lithuanian knight named Indris. On Tolstoy’s mother’s side he is descended from the Viking Prince Rurik and many forebears had distinguished military careers.

One of Leo Tolstoy’s grandfathers is greatly admired, one not so much. Count Ilya Andreevich Tolstoy is born into exceptional wealth but squanders it on an extravagant lifestyle. He sends his laundry to be washed in Holland, has his fish shipped directly from the Black Sea, entertains extravagantly and loses substantial sums of money playing hombre and whist (p8, Tolstoy, Troyat). On the verge of bankruptcy, he accepts a position as governor of the provincial city of Kazan. He dies in 1820, not long after the Russian Senate begins looking into the mismanagement of his accounts.

The maternal grandfather, Prince Nicholas Sergeyevich Volkonsky, is held in high regard. He is in the top echelons of Russian society and is very active in public life. He excels in the army and, at various times, is a highly valued servant of Catherine the Great, and an ambassador and a governor. In about 1800 after refusing to marry the mistress of one of Catherine the Great’s favourite lovers, he retires suddenly to his country estate. He dies about 20 years later.

Parents
Death of Leo's Mother
Death of Leo's Father