First English translation of Konstantin Leontiev's intimate spiritual memoir - a philosopher's account of conversion and life on Holy Mount Athos.

Diplomat, novelist, and philosopher Konstantin Leontiev (1831-1891) is one of the most prophetic and neglected conservative thinkers of the nineteenth century. In this autobiographical memoir, written following his transformative years on Mount Athos, Leontiev traces his journey from worldly skeptic to committed Orthodox Christian - offering one of the most candid accounts of intellectual conversion in Russian literature.

Drawing on his time at Athonite monasteries (1871-1872) and his conversations with the Elder Ieronim, Leontiev reflects on childhood faith, the tension between reason and religion, and the moment authentic Orthodox conviction took hold of a restless and brilliant mind. He argues throughout that lived, personal faith expressed through honest testimony reaches the educated heart more powerfully than doctrine alone.

Perfect for readers interested in: Russian history and philosophy, Orthodox Christian spirituality and monasticism, 19th century Russian intellectual history, conversion narratives and spiritual autobiography, Mount Athos and Eastern monasticism.