# Anna Karenina

> 1877 novel by Leo Tolstoy

**Wikidata**: [Q147787](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q147787)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Karenina)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anna-karenina

## Summary
*Anna Karenina* is an 1877 novel by Leo Tolstoy, a seminal work of Russian literature. It is the third in Tolstoy's sequence of seven novels and explores themes of love, society, and human nature through the tragic story of Anna Karenina. The novel is widely regarded as a masterpiece of world literature.

## Key Facts
- **Publication date**: 1877
- **Author**: Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)
- **Genre**: Literary work
- **Setting**: Russian Empire (1721–1917)
- **Preceded by**: *War and Peace* (1869)
- **Succeeded by**: *Resurrection* (1899)
- **Inception**: 1873 (writing began in 1873)
- **Sitelink count**: 106 (indicating widespread recognition)
- **Wikipedia title**: *Anna Karenina*
- **Wikidata description**: "1877 novel by Leo Tolstoy"
- **Related concept**: *Anna Karenina principle* (a metaphor for the fragility of endeavors)

## FAQs
**What is *Anna Karenina* about?**
*Anna Karenina* follows the life of Anna Karenina, a married woman who engages in an affair with Count Vronsky, leading to her eventual downfall. The novel critiques Russian society and explores the consequences of unchecked passion.

**Who wrote *Anna Karenina*?**
*Anna Karenina* was written by Leo Tolstoy, a renowned Russian author known for his philosophical and social commentary in literature.

**When was *Anna Karenina* published?**
The novel was published in 1877, marking a significant milestone in Russian literary history.

**What is the *Anna Karenina principle*?**
The *Anna Karenina principle* is a metaphorical concept suggesting that any endeavor is doomed to failure if any one of its critical factors is missing or flawed.

**What other works by Leo Tolstoy are related to *Anna Karenina*?**
*Anna Karenina* is part of a sequence of seven novels by Tolstoy, preceded by *War and Peace* (1869) and succeeded by *Resurrection* (1899).

## Why It Matters
*Anna Karenina* is considered one of the greatest novels in world literature, renowned for its psychological depth and social critique. The novel's exploration of human nature, particularly through the tragic figure of Anna Karenina, has influenced generations of writers and thinkers. Its themes of love, morality, and societal expectations remain relevant, making it a timeless work of art. Additionally, the *Anna Karenina principle* has entered popular discourse as a metaphor for the fragility of complex systems.

## Notable For
- Being the third in Leo Tolstoy's sequence of seven novels.
- Introducing the *Anna Karenina principle*, a widely cited metaphor in business and philosophy.
- Setting a standard for psychological realism in Russian literature.
- Critiquing the social norms of 19th-century Russia.
- Inspiring numerous adaptations in film, theater, and opera.

## Body
### Overview
*Anna Karenina* is a novel by Leo Tolstoy published in 1877, written between 1873 and 1877. It is the third in Tolstoy's sequence of seven novels, following *War and Peace* (1869) and preceding *Resurrection* (1899). The novel is set in the Russian Empire during the 19th century and explores themes of love, society, and human nature through the tragic story of Anna Karenina.

### Literary Significance
*Anna Karenina* is widely regarded as a masterpiece of world literature. Its psychological depth and social critique have made it a cornerstone of Russian and global literary canon. The novel's exploration of Anna's affair with Count Vronsky and her subsequent downfall serves as a critique of Russian society and the consequences of unchecked passion.

### The *Anna Karenina Principle*
The *Anna Karenina principle* is a metaphorical concept introduced by the novel, suggesting that any endeavor is doomed to failure if any one of its critical factors is missing or flawed. This principle has entered popular discourse, particularly in business and philosophy, as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail and the interconnectedness of factors in complex systems.

### Leo Tolstoy and His Works
Leo Tolstoy, born in 1828 and dying in 1910, was a Russian author whose works are celebrated for their philosophical and social commentary. *Anna Karenina* is part of his extensive body of work, which includes *War and Peace* and *Resurrection*. Tolstoy's contributions to literature have had a profound impact on Russian and world culture.

### Adaptations and Influence
*Anna Karenina* has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and operas, showcasing its enduring appeal. These adaptations have further cemented its status as a timeless work of art. The novel's influence extends beyond literature, inspiring discussions on love, morality, and societal expectations.

### Historical Context
Set in the Russian Empire during the 19th century, *Anna Karenina* provides a historical backdrop to its exploration of social issues. The novel's critique of Russian society reflects the author's observations of the era, making it a valuable historical document as well as a literary masterpiece.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. MusicBrainz
3. Goodreads
4. [Anna Karenina MBTI Personality Type - Literature](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=2&sub_cat_id=1094)
5. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute