Finished a PDF of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy after several months of smartphone reading. The Global Grey Ebook download had the Maude translation, which apparently took some liberties like turning a certain character's verbal tic into rhotacism and Anglicizing some names. This doorstopper of a novel certainly deserves its exalted place in Russian and world literature for its examination of history itself. Hundreds of pages are used to show the building blocks of history, individual characters who we see change over the course of years. The title shows the main division of the novel's chapters, between peaceful vignettes of Russian city and country life, and action-packed deployments of Russian fighting men to foreign engagements. As the novel approaches its crescendo with Napoleon invading Russia itself, the distinction between war and peace becomes blurred, and Tolstoy's thoughts on various themes get their place in the spotlight.
The author's main screed is on how ridiculous the Great Man Theory of History is. Entire chapters get devoted to debunking the notion, demonstrating how battle orders not only fail to achieve their aims, but often fail to be obeyed or even noticed at all. Great figures, advisors, or even ideas are not enough to understand the broad sweep of history; one must consider each and every single person that takes part in any event, from the lowest peasants to august emperors. Other more fundamental philosophical themes are examined through the lives of characters, such as how to live, will versus its representation, and how reason is in opposition to consciousness. More mundane topics include Russia's relationship with French culture, which understandably turns from emulation from aversion as French armies march deeper into the Rodina. This is paralleled by an increase in displays of Russian patriotism, which one day may be the cause for victory, and another day the cause of chaos.
Overall, it's a masterpiece with only a few flaws, such as ponderous character introductions that read almost like APBs and awkwardly-written action during the first battles covered. Don't know if it's a translation issue, but I still can't get over the sound of grapeshot being compared to spilled nuts.
