War and Peace

What It's About

This monumental novel follows several aristocratic Russian families across the Napoleonic era, from the European campaigns of 1805 through Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812 and its aftermath. At its heart are three unforgettable characters: Pierre Bezukhov, a awkward, idealistic heir searching for purpose; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, a proud and disillusioned soldier; and Natasha Rostova, a spirited young woman whose journey from girlhood to maturity runs through the book. Their personal stories unfold against ballrooms, battlefields, family estates and the burning of Moscow, with real historical figures such as Napoleon and General Kutuzov appearing alongside the fictional cast. With hundreds of characters and a vast canvas, it is often ranked among the greatest novels ever written. Its length and its long essays on history divide readers, but many find the sheer breadth of life it captures to be the point.

Key Concepts

Tolstoy uses the novel to challenge the idea that history is shaped by great men. He argues that events emerge from the countless small actions of ordinary people, and that even Napoleon was carried along by forces he could not control. This ties into a running debate about free will and necessity: how far anyone can choose their own path. Other major themes include the contrast between the artificial world of high society and the simpler truths found in family life and nature, the chaos and futility of war, and the search for meaning and happiness. Critics have long noted that the philosophical chapters interrupt the narrative, and Tolstoy himself insisted the work was not a conventional novel, but many readers value the essays as an essential part of his vision.

About the Author

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian writer born into an old aristocratic family. After a restless youth he served as an army officer, including during the Crimean War, before devoting himself to writing and managing his family estate. Later in life he became a moral and religious thinker, advocating nonviolence, simple living and social reform, and drew followers from around the world. His views brought him into conflict with both the Russian state and the Orthodox Church, and he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in world literature.

About This Edition

This is a 1922 translation by Aylmer and Louise Maude.