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Richard Pevear

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War and Peace (Lighthouse Books for Translation and Publishing Classics) Kindle Edition

by Leo Tolstoy (Author), Mustafa Kayyali (Introduction) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 2,812 ratings

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War and Peace is perhaps best known as one of the longest novels ever written.

Tolstoy began writing War and Peace in the year that he finally married and settled down at his country estate. The first half of the book was written under the name "1805". During the writing of the second half, he read widely and acknowledged Schopenhauer as one of his main inspirations. However, Tolstoy developed his own views of history and the role of the individual within it.

The first draft of the novel was completed in 1863. In 1865, the periodical Russkiy Vestnik (The Russian Messenger) published the first part of this draft under the title 1805 and published more the following year. Tolstoy was dissatisfied with this version, although he allowed several parts of it to be published with a different ending in 1867. He heavily rewrote the entire novel between 1866 and 1869. Tolstoy's wife, Sophia Tolstaya, copied as many as seven separate complete manuscripts before Tolstoy considered it again ready for publication. The version that was published in Russkiy Vestnik had a very different ending from the version eventually published under the title War and Peace in 1869. Russians who had read the serialized version were anxious to buy the complete novel, and it sold out almost immediately. The novel was translated almost immediately after publication into many other languages.[citation needed]

It is unknown why Tolstoy changed the name to War and Peace. He may have borrowed the title from the 1861 work of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon: La Guerre et la Paix ("The War and the Peace" in French). The title may also be another reference to Titus, described as being a master of "war and peace" in The Twelve Caesars, written by Suetonius in 119 CE. The completed novel was then called Voyna i mir (Война и мир in new-style orthography; in English War and Peace).

The 1805 manuscript was re-edited and annotated in Russia in 1983 and since has been translated into English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Albanian, Korean, and Czech. The existence of so many versions make this work one of the best insights into the mental processes of a great novelist.[citation needed]

Tolstoy was instrumental in bringing a new kind of consciousness to the novel. His narrative structure is noted for its "god-like" ability to hover over and within events, but also in the way it swiftly and seamlessly portrayed a particular character's point of view. His use of visual detail is often cinematic in scope, using the literary equivalents of panning, wide shots and close-ups. These devices, while not exclusive to Tolstoy, are part of the new style of the novel that arose in the mid-19th century and of which Tolstoy proved himself a master.

War and Peace opens in the Russian city of St. Petersburg in 1805, as Napoleon’s conquest of western Europe is just beginning to stir fears in Russia. Many of the novel’s characters are introduced at a society hostess’s party, among them Pierre Bezukhov, the socially awkward but likeable illegitimate son of a rich count, and Andrew Bolkonski, the intelligent and ambitious son of a retired military commander. We also meet the sneaky and shallow Kuragin family, including the wily father Vasili, the fortune-hunter son Anatole, and the ravishing daughter Helene. We are introduced to the Rostovs, a noble Moscow family, including the lively daughter Natasha, the quiet cousin Sonya, and the impetuous son Nicholas, who has just joined the army led by the old General Kutuzov.

Print length

828 pages
Language

English
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On Kindle Scribe
Publication date

August 26, 2017
File size

3317 KB
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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07562KH52
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lighthouse Books for Translation and Publishing (August 26, 2017)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 26, 2017
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3317 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 828 pages

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NyQuil012

Tough, but worth it

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2017

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What can I say that hasn't been said already about this classic? I guess the only thing that would be to say it's the Game of Thrones of the 19th Century. It's the Breaking Bad or Downton Abbey or Walking Dead or whatever you think is this month's MUST WATCH TV DRAMA, that's what this was for 19th Century Russian audiences. War and Peace is a huge, epic historical soap opera, with intense battles and royal intrigues and historical insight and if you can read it and not be blown away then you're not paying attention. It doesn't have it's reputation simply for being one of the longest novels ever published; it's actually that good.

I find it amusing that, in America, we're taught that the War of 1812 was this huge, massive deal and the Napoleonic Wars are glossed over as just some thing that happened in Europe at the same time while in Europe it's the complete opposite, and for good reason. What was happening in Russia and Germany during the early 19th Century shaped the next 200+ years of world history, the War of 1812, while not insignificant, really didn't mean that much to anyone outside North America. Even the English look at it as a minor skirmish compared to what was happening on the continent. Hearing this story from the Russian perspective makes it's historical import that much more obvious. Add in Tolstoy's incredible characters and impeccable descriptions and you really do have one of the greatest novels of all time, one that sucks you into the period and place and makes you want to know what happens to these people. You feel their pain and rejoice in their victories, even if you have to sit through three chapters of historical background to get back to the story. Somehow it all fits together and if you try to take away any piece, it's just not as enjoyable.

It's not an easy read, especially if you're not a Russian speaker or used to their naming conventions. It can be a bit confusing at first who is who and how they relate. But get the cliff's notes (seriously, it helps) and slog through, it's totally worth the work. I have to say that I have a new perspective on the world after reading this; it sounds pretentious but it opened up a new insight into past events and the mindset of other parts of the world, as well as how that affects our current politics and where things could possibly go. Tolstoy's insight into Napoleon and his musings on world events is scarily prescient, or maybe we're just repeating history. Again.

10 people found this helpful

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DantheMan

A Truly Good Story

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2016

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I began reading War and Peace as a challenge to myself. I wanted to see if I could do it. Tolstoy's classic novel is famous for many things and brevity is not one of them.

But what began as a personal challenge transformed into something that was both rewarding and refreshing--far beyond what I had anticipated.

We live in the age of instant entertainment. If a story does not capture us within the opening pages, we toss it out. If a television show does not pay out sufficient enjoyment by the first episode, we change the channel. So our entertainment has catered to our appetites. Stories exchange character development for action sequences. Detailed and nuanced dialogue is traded for the flamboyant and the crude. Like fast food we sacrifice quality (depth, insight, meaning) for time.

And also like fast food, we miss out.

Because there is something special about a really long, well told story. There is something to be said for tangible characters the reader can truly know and befriend. Characters that will stay with you long after the story is finished. Just like in War and Peace.

There is no question the complex and realistic characters make War and Peace the classic that it is. As I read, Natasha became my pure and innocent sister I would do anything to protect. Pierre became that old, childhood friend whose defeats I mourned and whose victories I rejoiced. And in Prince Andrew I saw a piece of myself. The same restless heart. The same search for purpose.

These are characters who (just like in reality) never stand still. They are ever being molded by their circumstances, successes, failures, and choices that they make. They are conflicted with a slew of desires, ever competing between their contradicting natures. They have questions. They make mistakes. Some change for the better and others for the worse. Tolstoy gives us a front row seat into their internal wrestlings. There were even times when Tolstoy would describe a character's inner feelings that I felt he had put words to my own.

Additionally, Tolstoy never shies away from taking an honest look into big life questions we prefer to avoid: Questions about life and death. Of greatness and meaning. Of the horrors of war and the emptiness of earthly pursuits. It is his insight into these questions that make War and Peace more than simply entertainment.

War and Peace is a journey. Like a journey it has ups and downs—there are slow parts and there are parts you will stay up to late to read. But be warned: once you finish you may not see everything the same. And that is what makes a story a good story.

22 people found this helpful

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C. Lira

A review of the Kindle edition, not the book itself

Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2023

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More has been said and written about War and Peace than most other books, given its age, length, and important position in the world of literature. I don't have anything of consequence to add to that, but did want to provide a suggestion as well as a review of this particular Kindle edition.

My suggestion is this- if you want to read W&P, familiarize yourself with Russian patronymic naming. A man whose father was named Pavlov with have a name like "Sergei Pavlovich Rossokovsky", while his sister might be "Elena Pavlovna Rossokovsky". This sometimes reflected in last names too, so "Bolkonsky" refers to a male family member, while Bolkonskaya refers to a female member of the same famly.

As for this Kindle version:

1. Many of the main characters have their names Westernized. The siblings Marya and Andrei Bolkonsky are named in the book as Mary and Andrew. Why would they Westernize Russian names in a Russian book?

2. The book is inconsistent with that family name, using Bolkonsky mostly, but also Volkonsky.

3. There are a number of places where the text is suddenly italicized for no discernible reason, with weird, misplaced, jagged line breaks.

31 people found this helpful

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Fitnesspro22

A GREAT HUMANITARIAN BOOK

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2023

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A brilliant writing, though written 200 years ago it holds its validity. A true CLÁSIC.
A masterpiece describing the hollow, parasite high society in Russia in the 19 century, yet at the same time depicts the intelectual power of those struggling to bring about a much needed change to the Russian people.
A great achievement in depicting the human side of the human beings during the Great War in 1812.

Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2024

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A wonderful book everyone should read. The book takes a while to read but you are awarded with every word!

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Geramxm

100% recomendable

Reviewed in Mexico on March 16, 2023

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La calidad del articulo es excepcional

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ND

A Timeless Masterpiece!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2023

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I must admit, I approached "War and Peace" with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Leo Tolstoy's reputation as a literary giant certainly preceded him, but the sheer size of this novel was daunting. However, I can now proudly say that diving into this epic was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

"War and Peace" is nothing short of a literary masterpiece. Tolstoy's ability to paint a vivid and intricate portrait of 19th-century Russian society is awe-inspiring. From the aristocracy to the common folk, his characters come to life with such depth and complexity that you can't help but become emotionally invested in their fates.

The novel's title suggests a focus on war, and indeed, the descriptions of battle scenes are both gripping and harrowing. Yet, what truly sets this book apart is its exploration of the human condition during times of conflict and peace. Tolstoy delves into the depths of human psychology, love, ambition, and the meaning of life itself.

The prose is beautifully crafted, and the translation I read captured the essence of the original Russian text wonderfully. Despite its length, the narrative never felt sluggish, thanks to Tolstoy's skillful storytelling and the way he weaves personal stories into the broader historical context.

"War and Peace" is a literary journey that takes you through the highs and lows of human existence. It's a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the profound questions of life. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to classic literature, this book is a must-read. It's a timeless classic that deserves every bit of its reputation. Don't let its size deter you; it's worth every page. Highly recommended!

One person found this helpful

pedro

Delivered in awful condition

Reviewed in Spain on November 9, 2020

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I bought this book as 'new' and somehow it came as if it had been on a public library's shelf for 150 years. How it came to be that way, I don't know... The edition, however, is great to look at. The lettering is quite small, but not troublesome. The pages are too white and would prefer a creme version, but the book is simply beautiful. I do feel however that the bound may not be as strong as some other edition, but it may be just because it came all destroyed. I did order another one with Amazon, have not received it yet.