When was the book "War and Peace" written?
Leo Tolstoy’s monumental novel, "War and Peace", is one of the most celebrated works of literature in history. The book has captivated readers for centuries, and its themes of love, family, power, and war continue to resonate with audiences today. But when was this epic novel written?
The Journey Begins
Leo Tolstoy was born in 1828 in Yasnaya Polyana, a rural estate in Russia. He was a member of a noble family and grew up with a passion for literature and history. After completing his education, Tolstoy joined the Imperial Russian Army and served for several years before leaving the military to focus on writing.
The Writing Process
Tolstoy began writing "War and Peace" in 1863, during a time of great personal turmoil in his life. He had recently divorced his wife and was struggling to find purpose and meaning. The writing process was a long and arduous one, with Tolstoy often working for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
The Original Title: “All’s Well!”
Interestingly, Tolstoy did not always envision "War and Peace" as we know it today. When he first began writing the novel, he titled it "All’s Well!", a phrase that reflected the optimistic tone of the work. It wasn’t until later, as the book took shape, that he changed the title to something more fitting.
Major Milestones
Here’s a breakdown of the major milestones in the writing process:
- 1863: Tolstoy begins writing "War and Peace"
- 1864: Tolstoy divorces his wife and relocates to a small house in Moscow
- 1865: Tolstoy completes the first draft of the novel
- 1867: Tolstoy revises the novel and begins working on the second draft
- 1869: The novel is finally complete and published in serial form in a Russian magazine
The Publication Process**
When “War and Peace” was first published in 1869, it was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised the novel’s length and historical accuracy, while others complained about its meandering pace and perceived lack of unity. Despite this, the novel quickly gained popularity among Russian readers and went on to become a classic of world literature.
**Did You Know?**
* The original publication of “War and Peace” ran to 16 volumes
* The novel was only 20% edited down from its original draft
* Tolstoy reportedly spent over 1 million rubles on the book’s publication
Historical Context**
“War and Peace” is set during the Napoleonic Wars, which lasted from 1803 to 1815. The novel explores the personal and historical consequences of this conflict, weaving together threads of love, family, and power.
**Some Key Dates**
Here are some key dates in Russian and European history that contextually frame the novel:
* 1805: Napoleon’s army defeats Austria at the Battle of Austerlitz
* 1812: Napoleon’s army occupies Moscow and the city is set on fire
* 1814: Napoleon is exiled to Elba, marking the end of his reign
**Conclusion**
“War and Peace” is a masterpiece of Russian literature, and its exploration of love, family, and war continues to captivate readers to this day. While the book has undergone many revisions and translations, its core themes and characters remain unchanged. If you’re a literature enthusiast or simply looking to delve into a timeless classic, “War and Peace” is a must-read experience.
**Table: Milestones in the Writing and Publication of “War and Peace”**
| Date | Event |
| — | — |
| 1863 | Tolstoy begins writing “War and Peace” |
| 1864 | Tolstoy divorces his wife and relocates to Moscow |
| 1865 | Tolstoy completes the first draft of the novel |
| 1867 | Tolstoy revises the novel and begins working on the second draft |
| 1869 | The novel is published in serial form in a Russian magazine |
| 1869 | The novel is complete and published in its final form |
**Bullet Points: Interesting Facts about “War and Peace”**
* The novel was originally intended to be a 100-page novella
* Tolstoy spent 12 hours a day, 6 days a week writing the novel
* The novel has been translated into over 200 languages
* The novel was banned in the Soviet Union from 1932-1956
* The novel has been adapted into numerous film, television, and stage productions