 |
| PC: Google image |
War and Peace is a novel by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published serially, then published in its entirety in 1869. It is regarded as one of Tolstoy's finest literary achievements and remains a classic of World Literature.
Tolstoy said War and Peace is "not a novel, even less it is a poem, and still less a historical chronicle." Large sections, especially the later chapters, are philosophical discussion rather than narrative. Portions of an earlier version titled The Year 1805, were serialized in The Russian Messenger from 1865 to 1867, then the novel was published in its entirety in 1869.
Tolstoy also said that the best Russian literature does not conform to standards and hence hesitated to call War and Peace a novel. Instead, he regarded Anna Karenina as his first true novel. For War and Peace to have the recognition of the greatest historical-fiction novel ever composed is an understatement, as it does not include its aspect of the philosophy of history provided by Tolstoy.
The novel chronicles the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era and Tsarist society through the stories of five Russian aristocratic families. It is equally entertaining as it delves into Russian traditions, home life, adventure, love, ambition romantic manipulation, and the responsibility of parents and landlords. In addition, is the incorporation of Tolstoy's Christian humanist philosophy by using several characters of the novel as his mouthpiece. Individual agonies of the difficulty of dealing with life's issues in so many aspects are included in almost every chapter.
The novel that made its author 'the true lion of the Russian literature' enjoyed great success with the reading public upon its publication and spawned dozens of reviews and analytical essays, some of which formed the basis for the research of Tolstoy scholars.
This volume is a new translation in contemporary English of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace by Daniel H Shubin, for the American reader. He has translated several of Tolstoy's books.
Adaptations
All modes of media have adapted War and Peace and seen a grand success for years. The first-ever Russian adaptation was in 1915 as a film which was directed by Vladimir Gardin. After that, it has been adapted more like film, stage, radio, theatre, television, opra, and music.
About the Author
A Russian author of novels, short stories, plays, and philosophical essays, Count Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was born into an aristocratic family and is best known for the epic book War and Peace and Anna Karenina. These two are the greatest works of Russian literature. After serving in the Crimean War, Tolstoy retired to his estate and devoted himself to writing, farming, and raising his large family. His novels and outspoken social polemics brought him world-wide fame.
He received nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature every year from 1902 to 1906 and for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, 1902, and 1909. That he never won is a major controversy.
 |
| Leo Tolstoy |
The translator, Daniel H. Shubin, has translated many books from Russian into English on Russian philosophy, religion, biography and history, and especially much of Leo Tolstoy. He has also traveled extensively throughout Russia.
Rating: 4.3/5
Author: Leo Tolstoy (Edition translated by Daniel H. Shubin)
Publisher: Lulu.com
Publishing Date: June 30, 2020
Edition Language: English
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Philosophy
ISBN-10: 1716787319
ISBN-13: 978-1716787317
Pages: 798 (Paperback)
No comments:
Post a Comment