War and Peace is a vast epic centred on Napoleon's war with Russia. While it expresses Tolstoy's view of history as 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 in this novel of unquestioned mastery. This translation received Tolstoy's approval.
War and Peace stands as one of the greatest masterpieces of world literature, written by Leo Tolstoy, a towering figure of the Russian literary canon. This monumental novel weaves together history, philosophy, and personal drama, offering a sweeping panorama of Russian society during the tumultuous years of the Napoleonic Wars. More than just a historical epic, it is a profound exploration of fate, free will, and the search for meaning in a time of upheaval.
At the heart of War and Peace are the lives of several families, most notably the Rostovs, Bolkonskys, and Bezukhovs, whose joys, sorrows, and transformations capture the essence of the human condition. Through the experiences of characters like Pierre Bezukhov, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, and Natasha Rostova, Tolstoy examines themes of love, loss, duty, honor, and redemption. Their personal struggles unfold against the backdrop of battles, political intrigue, and the sweeping tides of history.
Tolstoy’s genius lies in his ability to blend historical accuracy with fictional narrative, portraying both the grand strategies of emperors and generals and the intimate lives of ordinary soldiers and civilians. The novel vividly recounts the Battle of Austerlitz, the burning of Moscow, and the French retreat, while simultaneously revealing the inner thoughts, moral dilemmas, and growth of its protagonists.
Beyond the events of war, Tolstoy uses War and Peace as a vehicle to question the nature of history itself. He challenges the idea of "great men" shaping events, arguing instead that history is the product of countless small actions by ordinary people. His reflections on power, destiny, and freedom elevate the novel from storytelling to philosophical inquiry, making it both narrative art and intellectual discourse.
War and Peace is not merely a novel but a life experience, immersing the reader in the vastness of the human spirit. Its lyrical prose, unforgettable characters, and sweeping vision of history have made it a cornerstone of world literature. A tale of war and survival, peace and love, despair and transcendence, it continues to inspire readers with its timeless message about humanity’s resilience.
This luxury collector’s edition of War and Peace is presented with elegant typography, meticulous annotations, and stunning illustrations that bring Tolstoy’s epic vision to life. It is an essential treasure for lovers of classic literature, history, and philosophy, and a perfect addition to any serious library.
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Автор:Leo Tolstoy
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Издателство:Wordsworth
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ISBN:9781853260629
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Година:2001
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Страници:1024
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Корици:меки
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Състояние:отлично