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War and Peace


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Translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude.

Epic historical novel by Leo Tolstoy, originally published as Voyna i mir in 1865-69. This panoramic study of early 19th-century Russian society, noted for its mastery of realistic detail and variety of psychological analysis, is generally regarded as one of the world's greatest novels. War and Peace is primarily concerned with the histories of five aristocratic families--particularly the Bezukhovs, the Bolkonskys, and the Rostovs--the members of which are portrayed against a vivid background of Russian social life during the war against Napoleon (1805-14). The theme of war, however, is subordinate to the story of family existence, which involves Tolstoy's optimistic belief in the life-asserting pattern of human existence. The novel also sets forth a theory of history, concluding that there is a minimum of free choice; all is ruled by an inexorable historical determinism.

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Recent Forum Posts on War and Peace

The most generally regarded English version

I just read War & Peace, The Original Version, and suspicious about the ending, I wound up at this site. Seeing that there are several more parts than the seven in the version I've just read, but this version being my introduction to Tolstoy, I want to read "the Classical text" version, but don't know anything about this subject. I want to read the most generally accepted and read English translation, and the longer the better, can any of you offer me some advice? Which book exactly am I looking for? I'm starting Anna Karenina tonight! Really excited!

Posted By cidkid at Sat 1 Aug 2009, 5:35 AM in War and Peace || 1 Reply

translations

I have always wanted to read War and Peace as well, and I picked up the Briggs translation at The State University of New York at Buffalo. I have compared it to several other translations, and it's quite close, except more archaic terms and phrases have been replaced with more modern language - which is certainly more clear to the modern reader - especially if you aren't used to reading works that are written in such antique language. I am a senior and a history major, and I have to say that I may not have had such a rich understanding of major themes in the book had I not been equipped with knowledge from the many classes I have taken exploring various aspects of the 19th century, and even the 18th for that matter as the former was just coming to a close when Napoleon set his sights on Russia. Its very interesting how much influence the French had on Russian society before the Napoleonic invasion. Enjoy!

Posted By merrydrake at Thu 25 Jun 2009, 1:05 PM in War and Peace || 0 Replies

the original version

While surfng in the internet I found out that a book named "war and peace: original version" was published with several plot changes. I immediatelly ordered it and now I am waiting for it to come (I live in Greece so it will take around a week in order to have it in my hands). I read 'War and Peace" 6 years ago and now I am quite surprised to learn that my favourite character, Prince Andrey, actually lived at the first draft. Could someone who has read this 'original version' tell me some other changes and why Tolstoy chooses this end for the prince...?

Posted By Arianrhod at Sun 29 Mar 2009, 9:07 AM in War and Peace || 3 Replies

i love this book

i'm the wormiest bookworm i know, and this book ranks among my top five favorites. i'm reading it for the third time, i love it that much. the copy i got is translated by anne dunnigan.

Posted By Lani_D at Mon 16 Feb 2009, 12:22 AM in War and Peace || 9 Replies

War and Peace ....I'm compelled to read it

This is the reason why I joined the site. I've always wanted to read this book. I almost purchased it a few months back but decided to wait until I did a little research on which translation is the best. Would anyone care to give your suggestions? Or lead me to threads that have already discussed this, which I am sure there are many. LOL ALSO would anyone like to start the task together. This is my first post on the site so,.... Hello Everyone!!

Posted By EasyRead at Sun 21 Dec 2008, 9:57 AM in War and Peace || 22 Replies

Book 1 - Maude Translation

In your own words, what was happening there? The soiree, the introduction of the characters, Anna, Vasily, Helene, her brother, Anatole - Andrei and Lise . . . who else? Oh yeah . . . Pierre!

Posted By WildCityWoman at Sun 26 Oct 2008, 8:13 PM in War and Peace || 4 Replies

Character List - War & Peace

I have one going at Wild City's forums . . . so far I have around 560 or so. I'm still working my way through Book 8, so I know there will be more. My list is extensive - mentions maids, soldiers, etc. It's not the neatest looking list going, but I'm shoring it up as I go along. Here's the direct url . . . http://wildcity.proboards14.com/index.cgi?board=Books&action;=display&thread;=3127&page;=1 (Sorry I've 'locked' the thread - just don't want distractions - you can always leave a note here for me if you have any suggestions) Carly

Posted By WildCityWoman at Sun 26 Oct 2008, 5:53 PM in War and Peace || 0 Replies

Irony in W&P

I'm finding War and Peace to be surprisingly lively and entertaining, and I think a big reason is Tolstoy's irony. Pierre's involvement with the Masons is absolutely delightful: the absurd rituals, the numerology (Napoleon's "number" is 666-- given enough juggling!) Poor, likable Pierre... he's so serious about the Masonic code... while to everyone else it's just a social club! I'm now wondering about Tolstoy's treatment of the Tsar and patriotism, and his treatment of religion. At times, he seems to be treating the Tsar with true reverence. But then again, the populace's Tsar-worship seems to be absurdly over the top. And the Tsar himself seems a bit of a goofball at times. Shoving matches in the street as his majesty tosses biscuits to the crowd... old ladies trampled as the mob cries out "angel! father!" It makes the patriotic fervor of 1812 seem more than a little absurd. Religion takes its knocks also: But could not pray for the trampling of her enemies underfoot, when she had only a few minutes before been wishing she had more of them to forgive and pray for. But yet she could have no doubts of the righteousness of this prayer that had been read by the priest on his knees. This is all so absurd, contradiction on top of contradiction, it seems clearly ironical. I think at this point what I admire most about Tolstoy is his lively ridicule of human folly, which he manages while maintaining a deep sympathy for all of his characters. It's remarkable!

Posted By curlyqlink at Tue 26 Aug 2008, 6:51 PM in War and Peace || 5 Replies

War and Peace

I started reading this about a week ago, and im up to page 147 now. Frankly, I'm finding it difficult to read. I can see why it is regarded as one of the best works of literature ever written, but there's so many different characters, so many setting changes, that sometimes I just can't understand what's going on or what the significance of any of the conflicts are. I'm not a seasoned reader by any means. I'm 16, and while i have read my fair share of books this has got to be the most difficult of books I have read. So should I continue reading it and hope it gets a little easier? Or should I read it another time? I don't hate reading it. I actually enjoy some of the parts. It just feels a little off-putting at times.

Posted By JacobF at Tue 19 Aug 2008, 1:06 AM in War and Peace || 36 Replies

Funny jokes to lighten the forum

I've been thinking : perhaps we should try posting some cute jokes related to the works of Tolstoy, just to lighten the mood of the forum : just for FUN ?? Can anyone come up with something ? Regards, Swanduckling.

Posted By Swanduckling at Mon 16 Jun 2008, 2:25 PM in War and Peace || 7 Replies

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