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How Much Land Does a Man Need?  By  cover art

How Much Land Does a Man Need?

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: Walter Zimmerman
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Editorial reviews

For anyone who's read the work of Leo Tolstoy, it's no wonder his influence is still felt so strongly today, even over 100 years past his death. For those who've abstained from the Russian master for fear of his lengthy novels, the story "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" provides listeners with a much easier, but just as poignant, entryway into his work. With an astute performance, veteran narrator, Walter Zimmerman gives the tragic story of the peasant Pakhom, who's desires outmatch his common sense, a new energy. How Much Land Does a Man Need? is another important listen from one of history's greatest novelists and moralists.

Publisher's summary

Tolstoy is primarily know for his impressively long novels, but he also wrote some wonderful short stories. This one, dealing with ambition and greed, has an unforgettable message.
Public Domain (P)1986 Jimcin Recordings

What listeners say about How Much Land Does a Man Need?

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story but...

Wonderful story...very profound and very well read. However I have to question the suggested age range. I would think this would be more a middle school to adult story. I just don't think really young kids would get it.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking

This is a wonderful story. One of those that makes you stop and think about what is really important in life.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I really liked this tale.

This is a simple tale, much like other classic literature, that explains how greed corrupts the enjoyment of all things. Worthwhile listening for everyone, and certainly a topic that isn't approached with children often enough.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent 30 minute story about greed

Russian author Leo Tolstoy is best known for his long novels. This is not War and Peace; it is a thought provoking very short story about greed within family relationships. The twist at the end is as unexpected as it is tragic. It was written well over a century ago, but the story is as relevant today as ever. Audible classifies it for teens, but it is also good listening for adults. Everyone over the age of 12 should read or listen to this classic story.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Eloquent parable about greed

This is more of a parable than a short story. It is concise and to the point and very easy to reproduce orally. For example, after hearing this story just once, I know that I could repeat it easily and quickly to another person in order to illustrate a salient point about the human weakness for greed. Tolstoy does it beautifully all the way to the last line, which is perfectly ironic.

Walter Zimmerman's halting, dispassionate, and monotone narration is all the more ironic for the story's exceptional oral qualities.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

a perfect story according to James Joyce, I agree

simple and perfectly written parable like story that doesn't preach but shares its message do clearly through showing you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

1886 Tale by Classic Writer, Leo Tolstoy

This short (36 minute) story by Leo Tolstoy is one that makes a person think. It is listed as Children's Literature, but I beg to differ. It is better read/listened to by teens to adults who have had enough life experiences to be able to relate to the author's age old tale of a man who could never "have" enough. As relevant now as it was in 1886, it puts the focus where it should be: on family, having "enough" and living day to day. My only complaint is that this is a book that really should be offered free to members on Audible Plus. At 36 minutes, I feel like I should not have had to pay for it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • SD
  • 05-07-22

Compelling

This was my first Tolstoy read. It was gripping my and compelling. I’m going to need to read more of his work.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

it's all you need

thought provoking. good short story. something for each person to consider for themselves. Leo Tolstoy is a master

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This is a great story for those considering retire

Short and to the point Tolstoy has given us a story to put our quest for more wealth in perspective. This life is not a dress rehearsal. Consider truly what a man really needs.

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