War and Peace is a vast epic centred on Napoleon's war with Russia. While it expresses Tolstoy's view that history is an inexorable process which man cannot influence, he peoples his great novel with a cast of over five hundred characters. Three of these, the artless and delightful Natasha Rostov, the world-weary Prince Andrew Bolkonsky and the idealistic Pierre Bezukhov illustrate Tolstoy's philosophy.
War and Peace (Maude translation)
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About the Author
Professor Tony Briggs is former Professor of Russian at the University of Birmingham, and has translated widely from the Russian, especially Pushkin, is the author of several critical books on Russian literature. Orlando Figes is Professor of History at Birkbeck and the author of A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution, 1891-1924 which was awarded the Wolfson Prize for History and, most recently, Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Sarah Hunter
Format:Paperback
This is a novel that I have read about five or six times now, and will always come back to. The characters and settings are so vivid, and so real, that it feels as if we, as readers, are in early 19th Century Russia with them.
From the calculated coldness of Prince Vasili, to the dashed innocent hopes, and pure love of Pierre Bezukhov, to the sadly cynical Andrei Bolkonski, Tolstoy creates men of the world who impact those around them, and who serve as contrasts to one another yet are a million miles away from being cliches.
Tolstoy even manages to keep a hint of controversy in the relationship between Pierre's first wife Helene, and her brother Anatole, whom, in early drafts, shared an incestuous relationship. As it is, only hints of this remain, though Helene is, in a sense, a player in deciding whom her brother will place his affections on - shown in her suggestions he take up Natasha, the beautiful, vivacious fiance of Andrei Bolkonski, who seems to come alive in her presence, and who is, unwittingly to all involved, slowly becoming the object of Pierre's affection.
It is beutifully written, and contains such historical detail regarding the Napoleonic Wars, that it is impossible not to find the War segments of the book interesting, even when the key characters are not featured. I have to admit that there has not been a time I have read it when I have not shed a tear.... Read more ›
From the calculated coldness of Prince Vasili, to the dashed innocent hopes, and pure love of Pierre Bezukhov, to the sadly cynical Andrei Bolkonski, Tolstoy creates men of the world who impact those around them, and who serve as contrasts to one another yet are a million miles away from being cliches.
Tolstoy even manages to keep a hint of controversy in the relationship between Pierre's first wife Helene, and her brother Anatole, whom, in early drafts, shared an incestuous relationship. As it is, only hints of this remain, though Helene is, in a sense, a player in deciding whom her brother will place his affections on - shown in her suggestions he take up Natasha, the beautiful, vivacious fiance of Andrei Bolkonski, who seems to come alive in her presence, and who is, unwittingly to all involved, slowly becoming the object of Pierre's affection.
It is beutifully written, and contains such historical detail regarding the Napoleonic Wars, that it is impossible not to find the War segments of the book interesting, even when the key characters are not featured. I have to admit that there has not been a time I have read it when I have not shed a tear.... Read more ›
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Jw Perks
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Gold edging, a ribbon and three compact volumes in a study well designed box. The print might be too small for some people but these books are so tactile, easy to carry and inexpensive.
Having War and Peace in three volumes makes it a less daunting read but no less enjoyable.
Having War and Peace in three volumes makes it a less daunting read but no less enjoyable.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Book 1981
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book has been on my reading list for a long time, but for some reason I have avoided picking it up - Perhaps because of the size (I am against Kindles in principle), or perhaps because of the stigma attached to this mammoth classic, I just assumed it was going to be beyond my mental faculties and I was certain I was never going to be able to finish it.
I could not have been more wrong. It took me a month to read, it was never a chore to pick up and now that I have finished it, I miss it.
This book is many things - It is a study on how war affects life of men and women, it is a detailed analysis of the was tactics during the Napoleonic war with Russia, it is a family saga, a coming of age tale, a quest for the meaning of life, a romance, an ode to Russia and, above all, a 900-odd page tale of what makes us human.
Don't let the huge cast put you off, as the central cast is small enough, and the characters vivid enough to pose no problem in telling them apart. We have large, awkward, well-meaning lost soul Pierre, illegitimate and massively wealthy, and his devastating and unfaithful wife Helene. Then we have Prince Andrew; moody, elegant, intelligent, capable, vulnerable, a perfect masculine hero. His pious sister Princess Mary is one of the strongest female characters; She starts out plain, timid, terrorized by her father, resigned to her destiny as a spinster, but as we get to know her we see she has a heart of gold and incredible strength. Then we have the Rostovs, with the distre Count Ilya at the head of the family slowly driving them to financial ruin, the over-bearing and hysterical Countess and her children - Nicholas, Petya and not least, Natasha - Enchanting, innocent, impetuous, full of life and energy and vivacity.... Read more ›
I could not have been more wrong. It took me a month to read, it was never a chore to pick up and now that I have finished it, I miss it.
This book is many things - It is a study on how war affects life of men and women, it is a detailed analysis of the was tactics during the Napoleonic war with Russia, it is a family saga, a coming of age tale, a quest for the meaning of life, a romance, an ode to Russia and, above all, a 900-odd page tale of what makes us human.
Don't let the huge cast put you off, as the central cast is small enough, and the characters vivid enough to pose no problem in telling them apart. We have large, awkward, well-meaning lost soul Pierre, illegitimate and massively wealthy, and his devastating and unfaithful wife Helene. Then we have Prince Andrew; moody, elegant, intelligent, capable, vulnerable, a perfect masculine hero. His pious sister Princess Mary is one of the strongest female characters; She starts out plain, timid, terrorized by her father, resigned to her destiny as a spinster, but as we get to know her we see she has a heart of gold and incredible strength. Then we have the Rostovs, with the distre Count Ilya at the head of the family slowly driving them to financial ruin, the over-bearing and hysterical Countess and her children - Nicholas, Petya and not least, Natasha - Enchanting, innocent, impetuous, full of life and energy and vivacity.... Read more ›
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By D. M. Mason
Format:Paperback
I've read several versions of W & P, and this is by far the best translation I've read. Tolstoy's wit, compassion, and, above all, wisdom are rendered so perfectly that at times I was moved to tears.
By the way, Tolstoy should be compulsory reading for all those who presume to lead us into fruitless wars. His argument on why guerilla fighters will always win against large, invading armies is particularly compelling and timely.
By the way, Tolstoy should be compulsory reading for all those who presume to lead us into fruitless wars. His argument on why guerilla fighters will always win against large, invading armies is particularly compelling and timely.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I understand why people are put off reading this book. It's a mammoth undertaking just in page count, and the language is not as quick to read as 21st century English. Russian names make the mind reel to grasp some idea of pronunciation and the immense geography can be muddling.
But, and it's a very big BUT, if you can put aside the latent fear of commitment to such a book, you will not be disappointed.
War and Peace describes the years of war in Russia against Napoleon. Naturally the War proportion is dedicated to this. The Peace proportion revolves around a number of families, their ups and downs, all of whom have some tie to the war in that they have loved ones in the military, are involved in an official capacity, or are off to war themselves. Tolstoy weaves all together beautifully and simultaneously provides us with a valuable source on the history of the Russian Napoleonic wars, with the occasional short chapter given to discussion and analysis of war and of spirituality. He made great effort to ensure the accuracy of his facts, dates, and characters such as the Tsar and Napoleon.
It is a book from which you establish favourite characters and favourite situations. Some will love the Austen-style sub-plots of romance and emotional turmoil. Others will love the military aspect - battles and strategies and how they came into effect.
War and Peace is engaging, illuminating, and gives an incredible insight into the times in which it's based. There are some quite amusing observations of national identity and they ring true against today's perceptions. The descriptions of certain illnesses suggest first hand experience of them, at least as a witness.... Read more ›
But, and it's a very big BUT, if you can put aside the latent fear of commitment to such a book, you will not be disappointed.
War and Peace describes the years of war in Russia against Napoleon. Naturally the War proportion is dedicated to this. The Peace proportion revolves around a number of families, their ups and downs, all of whom have some tie to the war in that they have loved ones in the military, are involved in an official capacity, or are off to war themselves. Tolstoy weaves all together beautifully and simultaneously provides us with a valuable source on the history of the Russian Napoleonic wars, with the occasional short chapter given to discussion and analysis of war and of spirituality. He made great effort to ensure the accuracy of his facts, dates, and characters such as the Tsar and Napoleon.
It is a book from which you establish favourite characters and favourite situations. Some will love the Austen-style sub-plots of romance and emotional turmoil. Others will love the military aspect - battles and strategies and how they came into effect.
War and Peace is engaging, illuminating, and gives an incredible insight into the times in which it's based. There are some quite amusing observations of national identity and they ring true against today's perceptions. The descriptions of certain illnesses suggest first hand experience of them, at least as a witness.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
hard work
I am still reading it hard work, but this is my 2nd time long winded but brill as you would expect
Published 7 days ago by rosheen jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
worth the wait !!!
best book,ivhad privilege to read. tolstoy is a genius ,even though was written more than a century ago! an epic.
Published 19 days ago by galloping male
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent ideal for kindle
I have wanted to read War and Peace for a long time, but was put off by the physical size of the book. Excellent family stories woven throughout it. Read more
Published 22 days ago by helen
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best book i have ever read
I downloaded Tolstoy on my new Kindle Fire. I could not put it down and didn't want it to come to an end. Read more
Published 24 days ago by joan h
3.0 out of 5 stars
It's ok - I hope
One of the books that I feel ought to read - just hope I have enough life left as it is heavy going.
Published 26 days ago by Roxie
5.0 out of 5 stars
the real thing
It as it says on the cover a translation that is true to the spirit and word of Tolstoy's work. A very enjoyable read.
Published 1 month ago by sally rose
4.0 out of 5 stars
War and Peace - An Opinion !
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, the characters and the story. I just found that when Tolstoy voiced his opinion, he went on rambling for far too long which distracted me.
Published 1 month ago by Caroly
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
Just a classic I enjoy. I like the history. The characters are interesting. A long book which can be read over months if necessary
Published 1 month ago by joyce wolstenholme
2.0 out of 5 stars
Boring
Thought I'd better read this before I die. Sadly, reading it made me want to die sooner.
Too many characters. Read more
Too many characters. Read more
Published 1 month ago by AgentMulderUK
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good story, bad edition
Despite it's length and parts that could easily have been edited down, this is a great book with moments of genius (even vs. Read more
Published 2 months ago by bookworm
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