The Death of Ivan Ilyich

The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy delves deeply into the existential crisis of its protagonist, Ivan Ilyich, a high-ranking judge in 19th-century Russia. The novella offers a poignant exploration of the human condition, focusing on themes of mortality, the superficiality of societal expectations, and the search for genuine meaning in life. Ivan Ilyich’s life takes an unexpected turn after a seemingly trivial accident, pushing him to confront his impending death and the superficiality of his existence. Through a meticulous depiction of his psychological turmoil, Tolstoy illustrates the profound and often painful journey towards self-awareness and acceptance.

Launched in 2015, the extraordinarily successful Little Black Classics series has become a staple of modern literary collections, selling nearly 1 million copies in the UK alone and over 2 million worldwide. The series' most popular titles have found their way into major retailers such as Tesco, bringing timeless works to a contemporary audience.

The second batch of 46 titles in this bestselling series includes both new additions to the Penguin Classics list and bite-sized tasters of a diverse global literary heritage. These selections guarantee to reignite media discussions and pique the interest of readers.

With each publication, the Little Black Classics series allows readers to experience the vast range and diversity of classic literature. Spanning centuries and continents, these works encompass fables, decadence, heartbreak, tall tales, satire, ghosts, battles, and even elephants. The variety ensures there is something for every literary taste, capturing the essence of the world's literary treasures in a compact, accessible form.