The Tolstoy Library

In which the weary remnants of a battered artillery battery, led by the quiet and trembling Captain Túshin, limp through darkness and cold, tending to the wounded and grappling with the heavy toll of battle, while around the flickering campfires the voices of soldiers mingle with pain and exhaustion. Amidst this sombre aftermath, Prince Bagratión and his officers gather to recount the day’s deeds...

In which the brave Prince Bagratión descends amidst the fog of war to rally his beleaguered troops, observing with a keen eye the mingled fear and determination upon the faces of soldiers shaken yet steadfast. The eager advance falters not before the rolling hail of musket fire, as both leader and men move forward with hearts ignited and cries of “Hurrah!” piercing the smoky air.

In which the chaos and confusion of battle unfold with sharp contrasts between valour and hesitation, as commanders clash over prudence while soldiers confront the fearful uncertainty that partitions life and death. Young Rostóv experiences the tumult of his first charge, caught between the exhilaration of combat and the stark terror of wounding and the enemy’s frightening closeness.

In which the chaos of retreat and panic momentarily overcomes the Russian infantry, only to be turned by the sudden, valiant charge of a steadfast company and the spirited resistance of an artillery battery, whose youthful commander finds a strange exhilaration amid the tumult of battle. Through the vivid sounds, sights, and movements on the field, we witness the soldierly resolve and fleeting mom...

In which Prince Andrew, delivered to the vicinity of the front lines, observes with quiet scrutiny the preparations and demeanour of the Russian troops as they ready themselves for the prospect of battle; the humours of men—brave, weary, jocular, and stern—are revealed in petty discipline, lively fraternisation with the enemy, and the mundane necessities of camp life. The uneasy calm before engage...

In which Prince Andrew surveys the Russian and French positions from an artillery battery, contemplating tactical manoeuvres and the possible unfolding of battle with a mind both practical and studious. Meanwhile, the sober voices of officers discuss the nature of fear and the unknown beyond death, only to be abruptly interrupted by the deadly arrival of a cannonball that brings the moment sharply...

In which the first rumblings of battle stir the quiet camp as Prince Andrew and Prince Bagratión observe the unfolding conflict with a somber mixture of curiosity and resolve, their thoughts intertwined with the stoic temperament of command amidst the chaos. The men and officers prepare with eager yet anxious hearts, their varied demeanours reflecting both the dread and grim satisfaction that acco...

In which the weary commanders ponder precarious choices amidst the uncertain tides of war, seeking a slender hope for survival against overwhelming odds. Through a blend of cautious retreat, cunning stratagems, and an unexpected truce, the exhausted soldiers find momentary respite beneath the shadow of looming hostilities.

In which Prince Andrew receives a formal but perfunctory audience with Emperor Francis and is honoured for his role in the recent battle, only to learn with a heavy heart of the French crossing the Thabor Bridge in a surprising and unsettling manner. As he contemplates the implications of this event, a spirited debate unfolds about duty and heroism, setting Prince Andrew resolutely on his path bac...

In which Prince Andrew encounters the chaotic retreat of the Russian army, witnessing the disorder and hardship that beset the troops and civilians alike, and grapples with his own sense of duty amid the confusion. He seeks out the commander in chief, Kutúzov, whose calm yet somber presence hints at the grave trials that lie ahead for all.

In which Prince Andrew finds himself amidst the refined comforts and intricate politics of Vienna, where discussions of recent battles and looming alliances stir a mixture of pride and unease. The contrast between the harsh realities of war and the polished world of diplomacy unfolds gently, leaving the prince to reflect on the uncertain fate of nations from the repose of a warm chamber.

In which Prince Andrew Bolkónski is introduced to a lively and convivial circle of diplomats in Brünn, who entertain him with witty gossip and playful jests amidst the dreariness of their provincial surroundings. The company’s gaiety contrasts with the formality of Prince Andrew’s impending audience with Emperor Francis, to whom he prepares to present himself in his full military attire.

In which the Russian army, worn and beleaguered, halts its retreat along the Danube to engage the French in a hard-fought stand that kindles a flicker of hope amidst the gloom of war. Prince Andrew, honoured with the duty of bearing news of this victory, journeys through the melancholy contrasts of camp and court, encountering the indifference of officialdom that tempers his triumph with a subtle...

In which the Russian army retreats deliberately across rivers, guarded by vigilant commanders inspecting their positions beneath skies shifting between rain and sunlight, while conversation and quiet moments amongst officers momentarily soften the tension of the looming conflict. The quiet before the storm is marked by the measured roar of artillery and the steady advance of troops, all observed w...

In which a squadron of hussars faces the tense and uncertain moments before a skirmish on a bridge, the quiet before battle filled with the vivid impressions and conflicting emotions of young soldiers newly acquainted with the reality of war. The clash of duty, courage, and fear plays out beneath the calm evening sky as orders are muddled and the bridge is set aflame, while the beauty of the surro...

In which the pressing tumult of soldiers and wagons crossing a narrow bridge against the backdrop of a restless river is observed with a mixture of weariness and wry amusement, capturing the disorder and human foibles amidst the ranks. The determined efforts of officers to impose order reveal the tensions between infantry and cavalry, set against the casual banter and sharp eyes of men caught in t...

In which a spirited debate unfolds among the officers over matters of honour and pride within the regiment, revealing the delicate balance of respect and discipline that governs their interactions. The arrival of stirring news breaks the tension, as the promise of imminent action kindles a shared resolve among the men.

In which the lively camp life among the Pávlograd Hussars unfolds with youthful camaraderie and the somber undercurrent of officers’ fortunes rising and falling at cards, while the spirited Nicholas Rostóv navigates the uneasy tensions within his squadron. The loss of a purse sets in motion a quiet unraveling of trust, revealing human frailty amid the disciplined facades of military life.

In which the seasoned General Kutúzov conducts a measured and enigmatic discourse with his Austrian counterparts amid the mounting tension of uncertain military fortunes, revealing the complexities of alliance and command with a blend of irony and solemnity. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew Bolkónski emerges transformed by his experiences, grappling with sobering news of defeat and contemplating the heavy...

In which we find a Russian infantry regiment newly arrived in an Austrian town preparing itself, under the watchful eye of its proud but irritable commander, for inspection by the commanding general. Their orderly appearance belies the weary soldiers’ worn boots and the tension stirred by a certain defiant figure in a coat of unusual hue, as the regiment readies to meet its stern scrutiny.

In which the venerable General Kutúzov inspects a disciplined regiment upon their arrival near Braunau, observing both the soldiers’ appearance and their spirits with a mix of sternness and kindly understanding. Amidst the march and lively singing, interactions among officers reveal a tapestry of duty, character, and human foibles set against the measured cadence of military life.

In which Prince Andrew prepares to depart for service, sharing a solemn and tender farewell filled with familial concerns and solemn promises, while the quiet domestic life of the Bolkónski household reveals the tensions and affections that underlie their interactions. Through thoughtful reflections and gentle discourse, the characters navigate the complexities of duty, love, and faith amidst the...

In which the disciplined and exacting Prince Nicholas Andréevich administers a rigorous and taxing education in geometry to his meek and anxious daughter, Princess Mary, amidst the quiet order of their estate at Bald Hills, while news and letters from friends in Moscow weave a tapestry of distant concerns and tender attachments. The princess, caught between the austere demands of her father and th...

In which the austere and formidable Prince Bolkónski presides over a dinner that unfolds with a peculiar mix of social rigidity, familial respect, and lively debate on the nature of war and leadership, revealing glimpses of old convictions and new ambitions. The younger generation listens with a blend of amusement and deference, while a quiet observer finds herself both intrigued and fearful of th...

In which Prince Andrew returns to his family estate, where tender reunions and affectionate conversations reveal the gentle rhythms of domestic life amid the stately halls, as his wife and sister exchange heartfelt embrace and tears. The old prince, wrapped in his ancient habits and whimsical reflections, listens half-absentmindedly as his son outlines the intricacies of the coming war, their disc...