"The Death of Ivan the Terrible" was published in 1886. Influenced by Shakespeare, The Death of Ivan the Terrible is a historical drama and the first part of Tolstoy's famous dramatic trilogy. All of the three plays were banned upon publication. Considered to be one of the most important works of nineteenth century Russia, the plot revolves around the life of Ivan IV of Russia. Ivan the Terrible brought Russia from the medieval state to an empire, at the cost of both his people and economy. Prone to paranoia and rage, he also killed his heir and eldest son, which would lead to the Time of Troubles for the Russian dynasty. A classic of Russian literature and history not to be missed by fans and collectors of Tolstoy's seminal work. Count Aleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy (1817 - 1875) was a highly regarded poet, novelist and playwright of his time and also second cousin to Leo Tolstoy. Although his plays were the most famous of his works, he also gained fame from his satirical pieces. Other notable works by this author include: Tsar Fyodor Loannovich (1868) and Tsar Boris (1870). Read & Co. Classics is proudly republishing this classic now complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.