In 'War and Peace,' Leo Tolstoy weaves a vast tapestry of life during the Napoleonic Wars, intertwining the fates of several families across Russia. The novel explores profound themes of love, betrayal, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. As characters navigate the turbulence of war and society, their personal journeys reveal the complexities of human nature and destiny. Tolstoy's masterful prose delves deep into existential dilemmas, challenging readers to reflect on the impact of history on individual lives. This epic narrative is not just a story of war, but a meditation on peace and the enduring spirit of humanity.
By Leo Tolstoy
Published: 2017
"The strongest of all warriors are these two – Time and Patience."
A stunning clothbound Hardcover Classics edition of Tolstoy’s great novel, one of the undisputed masterpieces of world literature. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read At a glittering society party in St. Petersburg in 1805, conversations are dominated by the prospect of war. Terror swiftly engulfs the country as Napoleon’s army marches on Russia, and the lives of three young people are changed forever. The stories of quixotic Pierre, cynical Andrey, and impetuous Natasha interweave with a huge cast, from aristocrats and peasants, to soldiers and Napoleon himself. In War and Peace, Tolstoy entwines grand themes—conflict and love, birth and death, free will and fate—with unforgettable scenes of nineteenth-century Russia, to create a magnificent epic of human life in all its imperfection and grandeur. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“The strongest of all warriors are these two – Time and Patience.”
War and Peace
By Leo Tolstoy
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian novelist and moral philosopher renowned for his masterpieces that explore themes of love, war, and the human condition. His most notable works include 'War and Peace,' an epic narrative that intricately weaves the lives of individuals against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars, and 'Anna Karenina,' a profound exploration of love, betrayal, and societal expectations. Tolstoy's writing style is characterized by its realism, psychological depth, and philosophical insights, often delving into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by his characters. His later works also reflect a strong emphasis on simplicity, spirituality, and social reform.
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