I don't understand it; I don't in the least understand why men can't live without wars. How is it that we women don't want anything of the kind, don't need it?Tolstoy's epic masterpiece intertwines the lives of private and public individuals during the time of the Napoleonic wars and the French invasion of Russia. The fortunes of the Rostovs and the Bolkonskys, of Pierre, Natasha, and Andrei, are intimately connected with the national history that is played out in parallel with their lives. Balls and soirées alternate with councils of war and the machinations of statesmen and generals, scenes of violent battles with everyday human passions in a work whose extraordinary imaginative power has never been surpassed. The prodigious cast of characters, both great and small, seem to act and move as if connected by threads of destiny as the novel relentlessly questions ideas of free will, fate, and providence. Yet Tolstoy's portrayal of marital relations and scenes of domesticity is as truthful and poignant as the grand themes that underlie them. In this definitive and highly acclaimed Maude translation, Tolstoy's genius and the power of his prose are made newly available to the contemporary reader. In addition this edition includes a new introduction by Amy Mandelker, revised and expanded notes, lists of fictional and historical characters, a chronology of historical events, five maps, and Tolstoy's essay "Some Words about War and Peace".
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War and Peace
By Leo Tolstoy
I don't understand it; I don't in the least understand why men can't live without wars. How is it that we women don't want anything of the kind, don't need it?Tolstoy's epic masterpiece intertwines the lives of private and public individuals during the time of the Napoleonic wars and the French invasion of Russia. The fortunes of the Rostovs and the Bolkonskys, of Pierre, Natasha, and Andrei, are intimately connected with the national history that is played out in parallel with their lives. Balls and soirées alternate with councils of war and the machinations of statesmen and generals, scenes of violent battles with everyday human passions in a work whose extraordinary imaginative power has never been surpassed. The prodigious cast of characters, both great and small, seem to act and move as if connected by threads of destiny as the novel relentlessly questions ideas of free will, fate, and providence. Yet Tolstoy's portrayal of marital relations and scenes of domesticity is as truthful and poignant as the grand themes that underlie them. In this definitive and highly acclaimed Maude translation, Tolstoy's genius and the power of his prose are made newly available to the contemporary reader. In addition this edition includes a new introduction by Amy Mandelker, revised and expanded notes, lists of fictional and historical characters, a chronology of historical events, five maps, and Tolstoy's essay "Some Words about War and Peace".
Popular Reviews(1)
Reviewed by LucyFor days, I have struggled to organise my thoughts, as War and Peace has evoked so many impressions and emotions within me. It is almost impossible to find the right words to describe a work like this. It has changed me – but this change is not yet fully tangible. Tolstoy has written not only an epic story about war, love, and the course of history, but has captured life itself. What overwhelms me most is the depth with which the author illuminates human existence. The great historical events stand alongside the smallest, everyday moments – both are of equal significance. Life is not just made up of battles or political decisions, but also of inner struggles, conversations, and quiet thoughts on lonely nights. Pierre, who searches for the meaning of life, Andrei, who is torn between ambition and the desire for peace, and Natasha, who evolves from a naive girl into a mature woman, have deeply moved me. All three characters showcase the author’s mastery in depicting human souls. This novel is extraordinary for several reasons. It raises fundamental questions about life, fate, and free will. The author makes it clear that not only great generals, but also chance events influence the course of history. Every character – whether major or minor – is vividly drawn and undergoes profound inner transformations. The historical events of the 1812 war are described with great attention to detail, and the atmosphere of the era is palpable. The structure of the novel uniquely combines family history, historical chronicle, and philosophical reflections. Tolstoy’s clear and meaningful language conveys both emotion and realism. In conclusion: War and Peace is not just a work about war, but a thorough exploration of human life, history, and philosophy. This is why this literature remains relevant today. Perhaps this epic cannot truly be reviewed. It is not a work that one simply reads and then forgets. It lingers in the mind, touches the emotions, and changes the way one sees the world. I cannot precisely name the traces it has left in me – but I know they are there.