Seeking answers to "the problem of life," Tolstoy reinterpreted the first four books of the New Testament to create a single, integrated version of Christ's philosophy. The Russian author disregarded issues related to Jesus's divinity, focusing strictly on his words and teachings, for a remarkably modern meditation on spirituality. Dover (2008) unabridged republication of the Isabel Hapgood translation of The Gospel in Brief, originally published by Thomas Y. Crowell & Company, New York, 1899.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
The Jefferson Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth by Thomas Jefferson Jefferson regarded Jesus as a moral guide rather than a divinity. In his unique interpretation of the Bible, he highlights Christ's ethical teachings, discarding the scriptures' supernatural elements, to reflect the deist view of religion.
The Woman's Bible: A Classic Feminist Perspective by Elizabeth Cady Stanton Book-by-book examination of the Bible by pioneer in women's rights movement places events in their historical context, interprets passages as allegory and fact, and compares them with myths of other cultures.
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, Allan Ross, Allan Ross How to live a holy life in the secular world is the focus of this Christian masterpiece. It offers clear, direct advice about praying, resisting temptation, and maintaining devotion to God.
The Lost Books of the Bible by William Hone, Jeremiah Jones, William Wake Excised from the standard bible by various church councils, these "lost" texts help to give depth to the historical characters of Jesus, Mary, the apostles, and other figures of the New Testament.
