[Pocket Edition] World Literature Masterpieces Library - War and Peace (Volume 1, 2, and 3)

Author: (Russian) Leo Tolstoy
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-02-01
Features: War and Peace is a realistic, epic-length novel. The work revolves around Russia's War of National Defense in 1812, presenting the contradictions between the Russian people and Napoleon's invaders, as well as between the Russian social system and the people's will, through grandiose conception, majestic narration, and outstanding artistic depiction. It affirms the great historical role of the Russian people in the war and portrays a vast and tumultuous historical panorama, earning the reputation of being the "greatest novel in the world." Leo Tolstoy was the most outstanding critical realist writer of 19th-century Russia and one of the world's most renowned novelists. He is the only writer since the Renaissance who has challenged Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare, and together with Balzac, he is hailed as the two highest and most brilliant peaks in the realm of realistic literature. War and Peace is one of Tolstoy's three major representative works, celebrated as the "greatest novel in the world." The novel follows the chronicles of four aristocratic families—the Bolkonskys, Bezukhovs, Rostovs, and Kuragins—as its plot threads, exploring the contradictions between the Russian nation and Napoleon's invaders, as well as between the Russian social system and the people's will, from both the perspectives of war and peace. It affirms the great historical role of the Russian people in the war, thereby elevating the novel to an epic of the people's war.
In July 1805, Napoleon conquered the European continent with his army, and the war between France and Russia was brewing with intense fervor. However, the aristocratic elite of St. Petersburg continued to live a tranquil and leisurely life. At a banquet hosted by Anna Pavlovna, the queen's favorite, the handsome and resolute Andrei met Pierre, who was twenty years old, and the two became close friends. At that time, Andrei was summoned by General Kutuzov and was about to leave for abroad to fight against Napoleon's army. He hoped to bring glory and honor to himself through this war. After entrusting his wife to his father in Moscow, he set off for the battlefield.
Pierre returned to Moscow, inherited the estate of Count Bezukhov, and became a major capitalist, marrying Helena, the daughter of Anna Pavlovna. However, after the marriage, he discovered his wife's infidelity and separated from her, dedicating himself to the emancipation of serfs. During the Battle of Austerlitz against the French army, Andrei was wounded and fell to the ground but was saved by local villagers. After recovering, he returned home only to find his wife dead from childbirth. Seeing the newborn baby, he felt utterly despondent, but his strong will, coupled with Pierre's encouragement, gradually lifted his spirits.
Once, at the home of Prince Rostov, Andrei was captivated by Natasha, the energetic and beautiful daughter of the prince, reigniting his passion for love. However, due to his father's opposition, the wedding was set for a year later. Later, Andrei left Moscow for official duties, and the lonely Natasha, unable to resist the temptation of Anatoli, decided to run away with him. This was a devastating blow to Andrei, and he could only immerse himself in his arduous military duties to alleviate his pain.
In 1812, Napoleon led his army across the Russian border, and the war had spread into Russian territory. Andrei was severely wounded in battle again and, in a coma, was transported to Moscow, where he met Natasha. On his deathbed, he forgave Natasha and died in her arms. Due to strategic needs, the Russian army eventually abandoned Moscow, resorting to scorched-earth tactics to leave a wasteland for Napoleon. The French invasion ignited Pierre's strong patriotic fervor, and he donated all his wealth to support the war of national defense. When the French entered Moscow to loot like bandits, he disguised himself as a poor farmer, hiding a dagger and a short gun, and sought an opportunity to assassinate Napoleon. Later, he was arrested and thrown into prison as an alleged arsonist responsible for the Moscow fire.
With the arrival of winter and severe shortages of supplies, Napoleon's army found itself in a dilemma, with soldiers murmuring in resentment. On the way to Smolensk, the French army completely disintegrated. The Russian army seized the opportunity to pursue and ultimately won the war.
In 1813, Pierre and Natasha married and had four lovely children, and the family began a peaceful and happy life.