This story consists of 2 books. This is the first book in 1-4 part. In the second book part 5-8. "Anna Karenina" (1873-1877; 1875-1877 journal publication; first book 1878) - Leo Tolstoy's novel about the tragic love of a married lady Anna Karenina and Vronsky, a brilliant officer, against the background of a happy family life nobility Constantine Levina and Kitty Shtcherbatskaya . The large-scale picture of manners and life of aristocratic environment of St. Petersburg and Moscow in the second half of the XIX century. Anna Karenina is one of the loved and memorable heroines of literature. Her overwhelming charm dominates a novel of unparalleled richness and density. This book addresses the very nature of society at various levels - of destiny, death, human relationships and the irreconcilable contradictions of existence. Translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, with an introduction and notes by E.B. Greenwood, University of Kent, Anna Karenina is one of the most loved and memorable heroines of literature. Her overwhelming charm dominates a novel of unparalleled richness and density. Tolstoy considered this book to be his first real attempt at a novel form, and it addresses the very nature of society at all levels - of destiny, death, human relationships and the irreconcilable contradictions of existence. It ends tragically, and there is much that evokes despair, yet set beside this is an abounding joy in life's many ephemeral pleasures, and a profusion of comic relief.