War & Peace: The Original Manuscript

Written by Leo Tolstoi

Narrated by The Force

Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" is an epic masterpiece that immerses readers in the vast tapestry of Russian society during the Napoleonic era. Spanning over a decade and a half, the novel weaves together the lives of a diverse cast of characters, from aristocrats to soldiers, against the backdrop of the French invasion of Russia. At its core, the narrative revolves around the philosophical reflections of the central characters, exploring profound themes of love, war, destiny, and the search for meaning in life. Tolstoy's meticulous attention to historical detail and his ability to create rich, multidimensional characters make "War and Peace" not just a historical novel but a profound meditation on the human experience.

The novel unfolds in four books, each addressing different aspects of the human condition. From the glittering ballrooms of St. Petersburg to the blood-soaked battlefields of Borodino, Tolstoy captures the essence of the Russian soul and the transformative impact of historical events on individuals. "War and Peace" is not merely a narrative of war; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the complexity of human relationships, and the inevitability of change. Through its sweeping narrative and timeless reflections, Tolstoy's magnum opus remains a literary tour de force, offering readers a profound and contemplative journey through the pages of history and the recesses of the human heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Icon Audio Arts
• Release date: Mar 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9781998328987

Leo Tolstoi

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author of novels, short stories, novellas, plays, and philosophical essays. He was born into an aristocratic family and served as an officer in the Russian military during the Crimean War before embarking on a career as a writer and activist. Tolstoy’s experience in war, combined with his interpretation of the teachings of Jesus, led him to devote his life and work to the cause of pacifism. In addition to such fictional works as War and Peace (1869), Anna Karenina (1877), and The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886), Tolstoy wrote The Kingdom of God is Within You (1893), a philosophical treatise on nonviolent resistance which had a profound impact on Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. He is regarded today not only as one of the greatest writers of all time, but as a gifted and passionate political figure and public intellectual whose work transcends Russian history and literature alike.