War and Peace

by Leo Tolstoy

First published 1869

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4.5(1,982)

Beginning in 1805, the novel follows the Bezukhov, Bolkonsky and Rostov families as Russia joins Austria against Napoleon. Pierre Bezukhov inherits an immense fortune, Prince Andrei enters military service and Natasha Rostova grows from childhood into the emotional centre of a network of marriages, debts and family loyalties.

The campaigns at Austerlitz and the French invasion of Russia in 1812 bring private lives into direct contact with historical events. Borodino, the occupation and burning of Moscow and the French retreat are shown through soldiers, civilians and real commanders, while Tolstoy challenges the idea that history is controlled by a small number of heroic leaders.

Historical Periods

Battle of Austerlitz1805-12-02 Battle of Borodino1812-09-07 Capture of Moscow1812-09-14 Retreat from Moscow1812-10–1812-12 Imperial Russian Aristocracy and Society1801–1917 CE