War and Peace: Original Version

War and Peace: Original Version
Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy

An alternative version – the one Tolstoy originally intended, but has been hitherto unpublished – of Russia’s most famous novel; with a different ending, fewer digressions and an altered view of Napoleon – it’s time to look afresh at one of the world’s favourite books.‘War and Peace’ is a masterpiece – a panoramic portrait of Russian society and its descent into the Napoleonic Wars which for over a century has inspired reverential devotion among its readers.This version is certain to provoke controversy and devotion in equal measures. A ‘first draft’ of the epic version known to all, it was completed in 1866 but never published. A closely guarded secret for a century and a half, the unveiling of the original version of ‘War and Peace’, with an ending different to that we all know, is of huge significance to students of Tolstoy. But it is also sure to prove fascinating to the general reader who will find it an invigorating and absorbing read. Free of the solemn philosophical wanderings, the drama and tragedy of this sweeping tale is reinforced. His characters remain central throughout, emphasising their own personal journeys, their loves and passions, their successes and failures and their own personal tragedies.500 pages shorter, this is historical fiction at its most vivid and vital, and readers will marvel anew at Tolstoy’s unique ability to conjure the lives and souls of Russia and the Russians in all their glory. For devotees who long for more, for those who struggled and didn’t quite make it to the end, or for those who have always wanted to know what all the fuss is about, this is essential reading.

War and Peace

Original Version

Leo Tolstoy

Translated by Andrew Bromfield

Introduction by Nikolai Tolstoy

Contents

Cover (#u962b2934-ba4d-5975-95ef-b57b014a225d)

Title Page

Introduction

A Note on the Translation

Table of Russian Weights and Measures

List of Illustrations

Part I

I

“Eh bien, mon prince, so Genoa and Lucca are now…

II

Anna Pavlovna’s drawing room began filling up little by little.

III

Anna Pavlovna’s soirée was in full swing. On various sides…

IV

This new person was the young Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, husband…

V

Anna Pavlovna requested the vicomte to wait while she showed…

VI

The end of the vicomte’s story went as follows:

VII

“The entire nation will die for its Emperor, for the…

VIII

Having thanked Anna Pavlovna for her charming soirée, the guests…

IX

Reaching the house first, Pierre, as if he lived there,…

X

A woman’s dress rustled in the next room. As if…

XI

The friends were silent. Neither said a word. Pierre kept…

XII

It was after one in the morning when Pierre left…

XIII

Prince Vasily kept the promise that he had made to…

XIV

Silence fell. The countess looked at her guest with a…

XV

Of the young people, aside from the countess’s elder daughter,…

XVI

When Natasha came out of the drawing room and started…

XVII

The countess felt so tired after the visits that she…

XVIII