In Leo Tolstoy's 1886 tale "Three Simple Men" (also known as "The Three Hermits"), a trio of monks is visited by a bishop who wants to instruct them in the proper ways of worship—though it soon becomes clear who best understands the power of prayer. The story is retold here by Jon Sweeney, who expands upon the original to give it added relevance for contemporary readers. Tolstoy's "A Godson Learns to Fight Evil" and "One Neglected Spark May Burn Down a House" are also featured here, and Sweeney includes a substantial introduction to Tolstoy. Anna Mitchell contributes a dozen of her detailed folk paintings to this handsome book.