War and Peace
Война и мир
First published AD 1869, written in Russian
War and Peace is an epic novel by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the work comprises both a fictional narrative and chapters in which Tolstoy discusses history and philosophy. An early version was published serially beginning in 1865, after which the entire book was rewritten and published in 1869. The novel has claims to be the greatest novel written. It is regarded, with Anna Karenina, as Tolstoy's finest literary achievement, and it remains an internationally praised classic of world literature.
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Your reading
Which translation to read
Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky2007Our pick
Close to Tolstoy's sentences, and keeps the French that his aristocrats speak, as he wrote it.
Anthony Briggs2005
Brisk modern British English, the most readable of the recent versions.
Louise and Aylmer Maude1923
By friends of Tolstoy who worked with his approval; clear, readable English that has lasted a century.
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