Tolstoy's sprawling masterpiece, War and Peace, immerses readers in the tumultuous era of Napoleonic Russia. Through the lives of aristocratic families, the novel explores themes of love, war, and the meaning of existence. The first volume introduces us to the Rostov, Bolkonsky, and Kuragin families, setting the stage for the epic historical events to come. As Russia faces the threat of invasion, the characters' personal journeys intertwine with the nation's fate, culminating in a poignant exploration of the human condition amidst the chaos of war.
 
A New Translation by Rosemary Edmonds