Literary Affairs Presents War and Peace as a three part series. Part one focuses on Tolstoy, Russia, the context of the novel, translation, and an overview of the work. Book Club discussion leader Julie Robinson and guest lecturer Professor David MacFadyen the chair of the Slavic Language and Literature department at UCLA lead this informative and fun series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

"The best translation so far of Tolstoy's masterpiece into English." -Robert A. Maguire, professor emeritus of Russian studies, Columbia University

Set against the sweeping panoply of Napoleon's invasion of Russia, War and Peace, presented here in the first new English translation in forty years, is often considered the greatest novel ever written. At its center are Pierre Bezukhov, searching for meaning in his life; cynical Prince Andrei, ennobled by wartime suffering; and Natasha Rostov, whose impulsiveness threatens to destroy her happiness. As Tolstoy follows the changing fortunes of his characters, he crafts a view of humanity that is both epic and intimate and that continues to define fiction at its most resplendent.

A Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition with French flaps and luxurious packaging
Includes an introduction, note on the translation, cast of characters, maps, notes on the major battles depicted, and chapter summaries