The way of a pilgrim: candid tales of a wanderer to his spiritual father

In 1884 there appeared in Russia a slim volume containing four short tales.

They told of a pilgrim, led by his quiet curiosity and a deep spiritual longing to undertake a lifelong journey across the land.

The pilgrim's ancient journey takes him from a city monastery through forests, fields and the steppes of Siberia.

He walks by day and by night, through rains and summer months, finding food and shelter where he can.

Along the way, he encounters priests and professors, convicts, nuns and beggars, a tipsy old man in a soldier's greatcoat, from whom he slowly gathers great stores of wisdom and experience.

But at the heart of his journey is his time spent praying as he journeys on alone, discovering the peace and consolation that come of constant prayer and silent contemplation.