War and Peace (Volumes 1 and 2) (Illustrated Edition)

Author: (Russian) Leo Tolstoy
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: In 1805, the Russo-French War was about to break out, but the Russian upper class was still indulging in revelry. The heroine Natasha is a noblewoman, young and beautiful, lively, and skilled in singing and dancing. Her brother Nikolai is a handsome dragoon officer. Natasha's family friend Pierre is also a nobleman who has just returned from studying in France. He has no plans for the future and often frequents social gatherings and spends his time at gambling tables. Soon, he catches the attention of a duke and is arranged to marry the duke's daughter, Helen. However, this is not a successful marriage. Pierre's close friend Prince Andrei is an officer under Kutuzov. He comes to Natasha's house on official business and falls in love with Natasha at first sight. Both Natasha's parents approve of their marriage, but Andrei's father strongly opposes it, insisting that he wait a year before considering it. During the year of waiting, Natasha meets Anatoli, the brother of Helen, and she cannot resist Anatoli's seduction, planning to run away with him and writing to Andrei to break off the engagement. Although the attempt to run away fails, it is a heavy blow to Andrei. In the Russo-French War, both sides suffer heavy casualties. Andrei is severely wounded in the famous Battle of Borodino and dies shortly thereafter. Pierre's wife, Helen, also dies in St. Petersburg. In the winter of 1812, Napoleon withdrew from Moscow. At this time, Moscow was in ruins, but for Natasha and Pierre, it was the beginning of a new life.