War and Peace

Reading level

Level ten: Challenging adult literature
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Curriculum details

About

This monumental work set during the Napoleonic invasion of Russia has often been considered the greatest work in literature, but many people don't attempt it due to its great length (over 1200 pages in most editions). That said, the writing style itself is not too difficult and the book is unparalleled in its ability to blend individual subjective experiences into monumental historical events. We suggest reading at least a portion to become familiar with the work. Whether or not you complete the entire book now, return to it off and on later in life, as you will get more out of it at each reading.

We like the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation, which stays truer to Tolstoy's writing style than most older versions of the book while remaining highly readable.

In our opinion, it is fine to skip the second epilogue which consists of a treatise on historical processes. Interested students may read a summary of the second epilogue at www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/w/war-and-peace/summary-and-analysis/second-epilogue.