War and Peace Books VI - X

War and Peace (1869) is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that was serialized between 1865 and 1867 and published in 1869. It is recognized as a masterpiece of world literature and follows five central families across fifteen years, exploring the emotions of its characters as they adapt to a changing world. The novel juxtaposes political peace with the private and public turmoil of its characters, bringing history to life and reminding us of the past's impact on the present. Tolstoy's ambitious and triumphant work has been praised by many influential writers and has been adapted for film, theater, and television numerous times. This edition of War and Peace is a classic of Russian literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 534 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Written by the renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy, this novel was first serialized between 1865 and 1867 and later published in book form in 1869. Since then, it has been widely acclaimed as a masterpiece of world literature.

One of the most remarkable aspects of War and Peace is its epic scale, which encompasses hundreds of characters and spans fifteen years. The story follows the lives of five central families, the Rostovs, the Bezukhovs, the Bolkonskys, and the Nikolayevs, as they navigate the tumultuous events of the Napoleonic Wars and the Russian Revolution. Tolstoy meticulously weaves together their stories, providing detailed imaginings of historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Josephine.

In the sixth and seventh books, Tolstoy delves into the emotions of his wide cast of characters as they attempt to return to a sense of normalcy after a period of tenuous peace. The Rostovs, for instance, struggle to adapt to the changing world, while Prince Andrei grapples with his political obligations and his growing affection for Natasha Rostov. His friend Pierre, on the other hand, finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his disillusionment with Freemasonry and his obsession with discovering a way to live ethically.

As the story progresses, Napoleon's army begins advancing on Russia once more, bringing uncertainty and chaos to its traumatized people. Tolstoy's portrayal of this period is vivid and evocative, reminding us of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

Through its juxtaposition of political peace with the private and public turmoil of his characters, Tolstoy's story brings history to life while reminding us that the past is always closer than we care to think. As ambitious as it is triumphant, War and Peace is an epic novel of history and family, a story of faith and the will to persevere in the face of unspeakable catastrophe.

In conclusion, War and Peace is a masterpiece of literature that has left an indelible mark on the world. Its epic scale, detailed characterization, and exploration of human emotions make it a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a lover of literature, this novel is a must-read that will transport you to another time and place and leave you with a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513134413