'War And Peace' Facts: Everything You Need To Know About It

'War And Peace' is one of the longest novels to have ever written, and it's no wonder why it has been adapted for the big screen multiple times.

This novel by Leo Tolstoy is one of the longest and most famous books in history. It tells the story of Russian aristocrats during and after the Napoleonic Wars.

This novel talks about several families in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. It is filled with action, adventure, and romance. The story is complex and filled with interesting characters. Moscow is an important setting in 'War And Peace.' Moscow, the capital of Russia, is the site of many important events in this novel.

First published in 1869, 'War And Peace' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy. The work is epic in scale and is considered one of the most important works of world literature. It tells the story of several families during the Napoleonic Wars and includes some of history's most famous characters.

The novel was initially published in Russian and was later translated into English. The novel is over 1,400 pages long and has been adapted for film and television several times. One of the most famous adaptations is the 1967 Soviet film, which starred Lyudmila Saveleva as Natasha Rostova and Vyacheslav Tikhonov as Pierre Bezukhov.

Many famous authors, including Fyodor Dostoevsky, have praised this novel and called it a masterpiece. 'War And Peace' is one of the most expensive books ever published. The first edition cost over 16,000 Rubles, equivalent to over $30,000 today.

If you are a fan of historical fiction or want to read a good book, 'War And Peace' is definitely worth your time and attention.

Summary of 'War And Peace'

Over 100 million people were killed in World War II, making it the deadliest war in history. The Soviet Union lost the most number of soldiers of any nation, at over 20 million. Poland, Japan, and Yugoslavia also suffered heavy losses.

The devastation caused by this war led to a widespread feeling of disillusionment and despair among the people of Europe. This, in turn, led to the rise of Communism and Nazism.

'War And Peace' is set against the backdrop of these historical events. This novel follows the lives of several families from different countries who are all affected by war.

One of the most exciting things about 'War And Peace' is that it doesn't take sides. Instead, it shows the human side of war and how it affects people from all walks of a nation's life.

Napoleon was one of the most famous historical figures mentioned in 'War And Peace.' Napoleon was an influential military leader who played a significant role in the French Revolution.

About The Author

Born in the early 1800s, Tolstoy grew up in a family of landowners. His parents had high expectations for their son and hoped he would take on the management of their estate one day. However, young Leo had other plans.

From an early age, he showed a keen interest in reading and writing, which eventually led him to pursue a career in literature. In 1847, he enrolled in the University of Kazan to study law but later switched to Oriental Languages. During his time at the university, Tolstoy began writing short stories and essays.

In 1851, he moved to St. Petersburg, where he started working as a journalist and writer for various publications. During this time, Tolstoy began to work on his first novel, 'Childhood.'

This book was published in 1852 and was well-received by the public. Encouraged by the success of his debut novel, Tolstoy wrote several more books, including 'War And Peace' and 'Anna Karenina', two of the most famous novels in Russian literature.

Tolstoy's everyday life was not without controversy. He was a vocal critic of the Russians and made several enemies among the political elite. In 1901, he was exiled from Russia due to his radical political views. He spent the last years of his life living in various countries in Europe before passing away in 1910.

Characters Of 'War And Peace'

There are many characters in 'War And Peace.' Some of the main characters include Pierre Bezukhov, Natasha and Nikolai Rostov, Andrey Bolkonsky, Prince Andrew Kuragin, and Anatole Kuragin. Each character has their own unique story that intertwines with the others. These characters all go through different stages during the war, and their experiences shape the rest of their lives.

This book contains over 500 named characters, many of whom were historical figures. The great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy himself appears in the epic novel as one of the main characters. Some of the fictional characters of this novel are mentioned below.

Prince Andrei Nikolayevich Bolkonsky is a young aristocrat who joins the army to escape his unhappy marriage. He is mortally wounded in the Battle of Austerlitz.

Pierre Bezukhov is a wealthy count who goes from being an illegitimate child to one of the richest men in Russia. He is Andrei's best friend and closest confidante.

Helene Kuragina is a fictional character in the novel 'War And Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. She is a beautiful young woman who both Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and Pierre court. Helene's beauty ultimately leads to her downfall, as she is unable to find true happiness.

Natasha is a beautiful young woman whose family falls in despair. She is betrothed to Prince Andrei but falls in love with Pierre instead.

Prince Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov is the commander of the Russian army who eventually defeats Napoleon.

All of these characters and many more come to life in Tolstoy's masterpiece 'War And Peace.'

Film Adaptation

This 1966 epic 'War And Peace' was adapted for the screen by King Vidor and was directed by him. It starred Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer, and Laurence Olivier. Filming took place in Rome, Lazio, Venice, Veneto, and Tuscany in Italy; Munich and Schliersee in Bavaria, Germany; and the Soviet Union.

This film was a commercial success. It was the highest-grossing film of 1966 and became one of the most popular films of all time. However, it was not well received by critics.

FAQs

What is 'War And Peace' known for?

There are many things that 'War And Peace' are known for. It is known to be one of the greatest novels to have been written and is also known for its length as it is over 1,400 pages long. It is also known for being one of the most popular books in Russian history.

The story of 'War And Peace' is about the French invasion of Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. The book follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families during this period.

Is 'War And Peace' based on facts?

It is a common misconception that Leo Tolstoy's 'War And Peace' is a historical novel. Although the book chronicled the invasion of Russia by French soldiers in 1812, it is not considered an accurate portrayal of history.

Tolstoy based his work on historical accounts, but he also took many liberties with the facts. For example, the characters and events in the book are composites of real people and occurrences.

Is 'War And Peace' interesting?

Many people find the novel 'War And Peace' interesting for various reasons. One reason is that it is a war story. It tells the story of Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812 from the perspective of the Russian people.

This novel also focuses on the lives of two aristocratic families, the Rostovs and Bolkonskys. Another reason 'War And Peace' is interesting is that it is a very long novel. It is over 1,400 pages long in most editions.

This means that there is a lot to enjoy. Finally, 'War And Peace' is interesting because it is considered one of the greatest novels ever written. It is often included on lists of must-read novels.

Who are the five families in 'War And Peace'?

The five families in 'War And Peace' are the Rostovs, Bolkonskys, Kuragins, Bezukhovs, and Drubetskoys. These families are connected through various relationships and marriages. The story follows their lives through some of the most turbulent times in Russian history.

These five families are at the heart of 'War And Peace.' Tolstoy does an excellent job of exploring their individual stories and bringing them to make a wholesome connection. The story is full of love, tragedy, war, and peace. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history or literature.

How many hours does it take to read 'War And Peace?'

The average reader will spend 60 hours reading 'War And Peace,' while a more experienced reader could finish the book in as little as 45 hours. The record for the fastest reading of 'War And Peace' is held by British actor Simon Callow, who finished the book in just under four hours.

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