Tolstoy, Leo.

a reply to his questions concerning God and death, referring him to his Circle of Reading for an understanding of God, discussing the Gospel of St. John, observing that the latter states that God is love; concerning death, Tolstoy confesses that all he can answer is that 'when we die, we go there, i.e. to that God from whom we came in to life' ("...Na vtoroi vopros...mogu otvetit' tolko to chto umiraya my idem tuda, t.e k tomu Bogy ot kago prishli v zhizn'..."); in the final part of the letter, Tolstoy discusses the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, which he values very much, referring also to a volume of the sayings of Muhammad edited by Abdullah al Mamun al Lurawardy, 2 pages, 4to (252 x 202mm.), 28 December 1908, repaired, browning

There is some slight paper loss affecting a few words, where the letter was formerly split along folds.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In this late letter, dating from less two years before his death, Tolstoy touches on a number of important themes which had pre-occupied him for many years and which found expression in his great two-part work The Circle of Reading. The teachings of Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), the founder of the  Bahá'í faith, were of especial interest to the great writer, who regarded them as the highest and purest form of religious instruction.