War and Peace is Tolstoy's vast historical novel of Russia during the Napoleonic wars, interweaving the destinies of the Rostovs, Bolkonskys, Bezukhovs, and Kuragins with battles, salons, marriages, spiritual crises, and philosophical meditations on history. In the unabridged Maude translation, prized for its fidelity and clarity, Tolstoy's supple realism, panoramic structure, and moral seriousness are preserved without reducing the book's remarkable breadth. The novel stands at the summit of nineteenth-century realism while also challenging the conventions of epic, family chronicle, and historical fiction. Leo Tolstoy, born into the Russian aristocracy in 1828, drew upon his knowledge of noble society, his military experience in the Caucasus and Crimea, and his lifelong search for ethical truth. His fascination with freedom, necessity, suffering, and moral awakening shaped a work that rejects simplistic hero-worship and instead locates history in countless human choices. This edition is recommended to readers seeking not merely a classic, but an immersive intellectual and emotional world. It rewards patience with unforgettable characters, profound insight, and one of literature's most searching visions of life. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand-picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Zusammenfassung
War and Peace is regarded as one of the central works of world literature and was first published in its entirety in 1869. The novel charts the history of the French invasion of Russia, and the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society, through the stories of five Russian aristocratic families. Time magazine ranked War and Peace third in its poll of the 10 greatest books of all time. This complete English version translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude was originally published in 1922. The Maudes are classical translators of Leo Tolstoy who worked directly with the author and gained his personal endorsement. This edition includes all 15 books + the first and second epilogue along with reminiscences. Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy or Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time. Born to an aristocratic Russian family in 1828, he is best known for the novels War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1877) which are often cited as pinnacles of realist fiction. He also wrote plays and numerous philosophical essays. Table of Contents: Introduction Leo Tolstoy: A Short Biography "Tolstoy the Artist" and "Tolstoy the Preacher" by Ivan Panin "Count Tolstoi and the Public Censor" by Isabel Hapgood War and Peace Book One: 1805 Book Two: 1805 Book Three: 1805 Book Four: 1806 Book Five: 1806 - 07 Book Six: 1808 - 10 Book Seven: 1810 - 11 Book Eight: 1811 - 12 Book Nine: 1812 Book Ten: 1812 Book Eleven: 1812 Book Twelve: 1812 Book Thirteen: 1812 Book Fourteen: 1812 Book Fifteen: 1812 - 13 First Epilogue: 1813 - 20 Second Epilogue Reminiscences Reminiscences of Tolstoy, by His Son by Graf Ilia LvovichTolstoi My Visit to Tolstoy by Joseph Krauskopf Check out Ruwix to learn the solution of the Rubik's Cube and other twisty puzzles like Pyraminx, Square-1 etc.