Famous Translations -- War and Peace (Volume 1 and 2, Color Illustrations Edition)

Author: (Russian) Leo Tolstoy
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, is the author of "War and Peace," an immortal masterpiece in the history of world literature. The novel centers on the invasion of Russia by Napoleon in 1812 and depicts the heroic scenes of the Russian people rising up to resist the invaders. This book possesses the grandeur of an epic, with a vast scope and numerous characters. It not only records major historical events in Russia and Western Europe but alsos the storyline. It portrays both the battles with swords and armor and the bloodshed, as well as the peaceful and tranquil daily life. It includes passionate and stirring discussions on society and life, as well as delicate and lyrical expressions of emotion. With his exceptional artistic skill, Tolstoy creates a series of vivid characters, capturing all aspects of human relationships and social conditions. The renowned writer Ivan Turgenev called this novel a "great work by a great writer," stating that it allows readers to "understand more directly and accurately the character and temperament of the Russian people and the entire life of Russia." He added that reading it is "better than reading hundreds of works on ethnology and history." "War and Peace" is a realistic, epic novel. The work revolves around Russia's War of National Defense in 1812, presenting a grand concept, powerful narration, and outstanding artistic description. It explores the conflicts between the Russian people and Napoleon's invaders, as well as between the Russian social system and the people's desires, from both the perspectives of war and peace. It affirms the great historical role of the Russian people in the war, depicting a vast and dramatic historical panorama, and is hailed as 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. Together with Balzac, he is known as the two highest and most brilliant peaks in the realm of realist literature. After reading "War and Peace," the French writer Gustave Flaubert was deeply impressed by Tolstoy's masterful pen and exclaimed, "This is Shakespeare, this is Shakespeare!"