Rosemary Edmonds Knihy

Román Vojna a mír (napsáno v letech 1863-1869, vydáno v roce 1869) je čtyřdílná románová epopej, jedno z největších a nejslavnějších děl světové literatury. Lev Tolstoj se v názvu své knihy inspiroval ve stejnojmenném díle francouzského anarchisty a filosofa Pierra-Josepha Proudhona. V románu vystupuje na 250 postav hlavních i epizodních včetně historických osobností cara Alexandra I., císaře Napoleona či generála Kutuzova. Obsáhlé, barvité líčení bitev (u Slavkova, u Borodina) či vylidněné, hořící Moskvy nemá ve světové literatuře obdoby. Komorní scény ze života vyšší společnosti a milostná vzplanutí a dobrodružství se střídají s líčením historických událostí a boje ruského lidu proti Napoleonovi. Při psaní se Tolstoj neinspiroval jen světovými historickými událostmi, ale i osudy vlastní rodiny. Například předobrazem románové postavě Nataši Rostovové a jejím životním strastem byla autorovi jeho vlastní švagrová T. A Kuzminská. První část epopeje se odehrává v roce 1805 a obsahuje např. popis bitvy u Slavkova. 01-021-78

A middle-aged judge who had never thought about his own mortality, must readjust his thinking when he learns he has a terminal illness

Tolstoy's epic novel explores themes of love, destiny, and self-destruction through the life of Anna Karenina, who appears to have everything—beauty, wealth, popularity, and an adored son. Yet, she feels her life is empty until she meets the impetuous officer Count Vronsky. Their passionate affair scandalizes society and family, leading to jealousy and bitterness. In contrast to Anna's tragic story is the tale of Levin, a man searching for contentment and meaning in his life, reflecting Tolstoy's own struggles. The novel intricately weaves these narratives, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the societal constraints of 19th-century Russia. Through vivid characterizations and profound insights, Tolstoy delves into the depths of love, betrayal, and the quest for personal fulfillment.

Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It has garnered attention from scholars for its important themes and insights, reflecting key aspects of historical and societal development.

At a glittering society party in St Petersburg in 1805, conversations are dominated by the prospect of war. Terros swiftly engulfs the country as Napoleon's army marches on Rusia, and the lives of three young people are changed for ever. The stories of quixotic Pierre, cynical Andrey and impetuous Natasha interweave with a huge cast, from aristocrats and peasants to soldiers and Napoleon himself. in War and Peace (1863-9), Tolstoy entwines grand themes - conflict and love, birth and death, free will and fate - with unforgettable scenes of nineteenth-century Russia, to create a magnificent epic of human life in all its imperfection and grandeur.

War and Peace broadly focuses on Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812 and follows three of the most well-known characters in Pierre Bezukhov, the illegitimate son of a count who is fighting for his inheritance and yearning for spiritual fulfillment; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, who leaves his family behind to fight in the war against Napoleon; and Natasha Rostov, the beautiful young daughter of a nobleman who intrigues both men.As Napoleon’s army invades, Tolstoy brilliantly follows characters from diverse backgrounds—peasants and nobility, civilians and soldiers—as they struggle with the problems unique to their era, their history, and their culture. And as the novel progresses, these characters transcend their specificity, becoming some of the most moving—and human—figures in world literature.