Before your students begin reading Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, War and Peace, or another one of his texts, have them complete this author study. After they've finished reading the text, they can then analyze the author's purpose. This eye-catching and easy-to-use resource puts your students in control, giving them the opportunity to research the author rather than simply hearing the information from you. It also shows them how important author study is when performing literary analysis, especially when trying to determine an author's purpose for writing a text. This resource includes: • How To Use This Resource - A document that explains how you can use this resource in your classroom • "Why Author Study is Important" - A handout that explains the benefits of author study/research to your students and why it's important to consider an author's personal and professional background when performing literary analysis • Author Research Worksheet - An organized worksheet that asks students to find specific and helpful kinds of information about the author • Author's Purpose Analysis - A worksheet asking students to answer questions that will help them to determine the author's purpose for writing the text (Note: This worksheet was designed so you can use it throughout the school year for any author). 4 pages