Aylmer Maude

Born in 1858, Aylmer Maude was an English writer, translator, and interpreter of Russian literature. He lived in Russia for many years, worked in business there, and developed a deep knowledge of Russian life and language that later informed his writing.

He is most closely associated with Leo Tolstoy. Along with his wife, Louise Maude, he translated many of Tolstoy’s works into English, and the two became trusted figures in bringing Tolstoy to a wider international audience. Maude also wrote studies of Tolstoy that combined literary insight with first-hand acquaintance.

Because he knew Tolstoy personally and understood both Russian culture and English readers, Maude’s work has remained especially valued by readers interested in Tolstoy’s life, ideas, and fiction. He died in 1938.