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

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: War and Peace is a realistic, epic-length novel. The work revolves around Russia's War of National Defense in 1812, employing grandiose conception, majestic narration, and exceptional artistic description to depict the contradictions between the Russian people and Napoleon's invaders, as well as between the Russian social system and the people's will, affirming the great historical role of the Russian people in the war. It portrays a vast and tumultuous historical panorama, 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 capable of challenging Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare, and together with Balzac, he is called the two highest and most brilliant peaks in the realm of realist literature. War and Peace is one of Tolstoy's three major representative works, also hailed 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 tensions between France and Russia were brewing for an intense war. However, the aristocratic circles 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 20 years old, and became close friends. At that time, Andrei was summoned by General Kutuzov and was about to go 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 liberation of serfs. During the Battle of Austerlitz against French forces, Andrei was wounded and fell to the ground but was saved by local villagers. After recovering, he returned home but found his wife had died in childbirth. Seeing the newborn baby, he was utterly despondent. Yet, with his strong will and Pierre's persuasion, his mood gradually improved.
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 a mission, 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 military duties to alleviate his pain.
In 1812, Napoleon crossed into Russian territory with his army, and the war had spread into Russia. Andrei was severely wounded in a battle 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 French forces entered Moscow to loot like bandits, he disguised himself as a poor farmer, hidden with a dagger and a short gun, seeking an opportunity to assassinate Napoleon. Later, he was arrested and thrown into prison as an arsonist for the Moscow fire.
With the arrival of winter and severe shortages of supplies, Napoleon's army found itself in a dilemma, and the soldiers grew resentful. On the way to Smolensk, the French army completely disintegrated. The Russian army seized the victory 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.