The Hedgehog and the Fox: An Essay on Tolstoy’s View of History

“The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” This fragment of verse by the Greek poet Archilochus describes the central thesis of Isaiah Berlin’s masterly essay on Tolstoy, in which he underlines a fundamental distinction between those people (foxes) who are fascinated by the infinite variety of things and those (hedgehogs) who relate everything to a central, all-embracing system. Tolstoy longed for a unitary vision, Sir Isaiah observes, but his marvelous perception of people, things, and the moments of history was so acute that he could not stop himself from writing as he saw, felt, and understood. He was by nature a fox who wanted to be a hedgehog.

Since its first publication in 1953 Sir Isaiah’s long essay has acquired the status of a small masterpiece. ‘The Hedgehog and the Fox’ is a trium of erudition and a superb entryway into an understanding of Tolstoy’s work.

“Berlin’s stunning command of the resources of scholarship, his sensitivity to literature and to character, and his eloquence as a writer give this essay the luster of a virtuoso performance.” – ‘Atlantic’

“The argument is ingenious and subtle, full of overtones – exactly what good critical writing should be.” – Max Beloff, ‘Manchester Guardian’

” Not only does Mr. Berlin command all the materials of erudition, literary and philosophical, for his task, but he has a deep and subtle feeling for the uzzle of Tolstoy’s personality, and he writes throughout, and particularly towards the last pages, with a wonderful eloquence.” – William Barrett, ‘New York Times’