War and Peace weaves the lives of several Russian families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Tolstoy's portrayal of struggle makes the novel a timeless examination of human resilience.
Hardcover
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Summary
War and Peace weaves the lives of several Russian families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Tolstoy's portrayal of struggle makes the novel a timeless examination of human resilience.
Description
Collector's Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket
War and Peace weaves the lives of several Russian aristocratic families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Central to the narrative are Pierre Bezukhov, an awkward yet kindhearted illegitimate son who unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, disillusioned with society and seeking purpose in military service; and Natasha Rostova, a young countess whose journey from innocence to maturity is marked by love and heartbreak. As their personal stories unfold, they intersect with significant historical events, including the Battle of Austerlitz and Napoleon's invasion of Russia, highlighting the profound impact of war on individual lives and the broader society.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy is celebrated as one of the greatest works in world literature, offering deep insights into Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. Through its blend of fictional characters and historical events, the novel explores themes of history, fate, and free will, challenging traditional views of causality and agency. Tolstoy's vivid portrayal of personal and political struggles makes the novel a timeless examination of human resilience and the interplay between war and peace.
About the Author
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author and philosopher, celebrated as one of history's greatest literary figures. Born into an aristocratic family, he faced early personal losses, including the deaths of his parents. Tolstoy's literary journey began with the acclaimed semi-autobiographical trilogy Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth (1852-1856), and his experiences in the Crimean War inspired the Sevastopol Sketches (1855), which vividly portrayed the realities of conflict.His masterpieces, War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1878), are renowned for their sweeping narratives and psychological depth. War and Peace offers a panoramic view of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars, while Anna Karenina examines themes of love, family, and societal expectations. Tolstoy also penned influential shorter works, including The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886) and Hadji Murad (1912), which explore profound moral and existential dilemmas.In the 1870s, Tolstoy underwent a spiritual transformation, embracing Christian anarchism and pacifism. Works like Confession (1882) and The Kingdom of God Is Within You (1894) reflect his belief in nonviolence, simplicity, and love, rejecting institutional religion and state authority. These ideas influenced global figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., solidifying Tolstoy's legacy as a literary genius and a transformative thinker.
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