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War and Peace


Synopsis


'If life could write, it would write like Tolstoy.' Isaac Babel Tolstoy's epic masterpiece intertwines the lives of private and public individuals during the time of the Napoleonic wars and the French invasion of Russia. The fortunes of the Rostovs and the Bolkonskys, of Pierre, Natasha, and Andrei, are intimately connected with the national history that is played out in parallel with their lives. Balls and soirées alternate with councils of war and the machinations of statesmen and generals, scenes of violent battles with everyday human passions in a work whose extraordinary imaginative power has never been surpassed. The prodigious cast of characters, both great and small, seem to act and move as if connected by threads of destiny as the novel relentlessly questions ideas of free will, fate, and providence. Yet Tolstoy's portrayal of marital relations and scenes of domesticity is as truthful and poignant as the grand themes that underlie them. In this revised and updated version of the definitive and highly acclaimed Maude translation, Tolstoy's genius and the power of his prose are made newly available to the contemporary reader. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Leo Tolstoy, Louise Maude, Aylmer Maude, Amy Mandelker

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

* Introduces the novel's vast scope and the complex interconnected lives of the main characters.
* Real example: The chapter opens with a dinner party hosted by Anna Pavlovna Scherer, attended by a diverse group of nobles and diplomats.

Chapter 2: Pierre Bezukhov

* Introduces Pierre, an illegitimate son who inherits a vast fortune.
* Real example: Pierre is described as a kind and clumsy young man, struggling to find his place in society.

Chapter 3: André Bolkonsky

* Introduces André, a brilliant and ambitious officer in the Russian army.
* Real example: André is depicted as a reserved and intelligent man, consumed by his military career.

Chapter 4: Natasha Rostova

* Introduces Natasha, a vivacious and impulsive young woman from a wealthy family.
* Real example: Natasha is described as a charming and spirited girl, full of life and energy.

Chapter 5: The Battle of Schöngrabern

* Describes the Battle of Schöngrabern, where André's regiment is nearly wiped out.
* Real example: The battle is depicted as a chaotic and bloody affair, with André repeatedly risking his life.

Chapter 6: Prince Vasily Kuragin

* Introduces Prince Vasily, a cunning and ambitious nobleman who seeks to marry his son to Natasha.
* Real example: Prince Vasily is portrayed as a manipulative and ruthless figure, determined to secure his family's status.

Chapter 7: Hélène Bezukhova

* Introduces Hélène, Pierre's beautiful but shallow wife.
* Real example: Hélène is described as a cold and ambitious woman, primarily concerned with her own appearance and social status.

Chapter 8: The Battle of Austerlitz

* Describes the Battle of Austerlitz, where André is gravely wounded.
* Real example: The battle is portrayed as a massive and decisive conflict, with André's regiment playing a pivotal role.

Chapter 9: Natasha and Pierre

* Shows Natasha and Pierre falling in love, despite their differences in social status.
* Real example: Natasha is attracted to Pierre's kind and genuine nature, while Pierre is captivated by her vivacity and charm.

Chapter 10: The French Invasion of Russia

* Describes the French invasion of Russia, led by Napoleon Bonaparte.
* Real example: The invasion is depicted as a devastating event, with Russian forces enduring heavy losses.