The Raid

work by Tolstoy

Also known as: “Nabeg”

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

"The Raid" is a story by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1853. It is one of several stories Tolstoy wrote based on his experiences in the Caucasus. The story is notable for its focus on the courage of ordinary soldiers and for its experimental narrative technique, including the use of the second person and a soldier's stream of consciousness. Tolstoy's work often explores themes of truth, morality, and the observation of suffering. "The Raid" is considered an early example of Tolstoy's keen interest in formal experimentation and his lifelong concern with ethical questions.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Leo Tolstoy
First publications of Leo Tolstoy
…Caucasus, including “Nabeg” (1853; “The Raid”) and his three sketches about the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War: “Sevastopol v dekabre mesyatse” (“Sevastopol in December”), “Sevastopol v maye” (“Sevastopol in May”), and “Sevastopol v avguste 1855 goda” (“Sevastopol in August”; all published 1855–56). The first sketch, which deals…
Read More
…Caucasus, including “Nabeg” (1853; “The Raid”) and his three sketches about the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War: “Sevastopol v dekabre mesyatse” (“Sevastopol in December”), “Sevastopol v maye” (“Sevastopol in May”), and “Sevastopol v avguste 1855 goda” (“Sevastopol in August”; all published 1855–56). The first sketch, which deals…
Read More