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War and Peace  By  cover art

War and Peace

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
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Publisher's summary

Often called the greatest novel ever written, War and Peace is at once an epic of the Napoleonic wars, a philosophical study, and a celebration of the Russian spirit. Tolstoy's genius is clearly seen in the multitude of characters in this massive chronicle, all of them fully realized and equally memorable. Out of this complex narrative emerges a profound examination of the individual's place in the historical process, one that makes it clear why Thomas Mann praised Tolstoy for his Homeric powers and placed War and Peace in the same category as The Iliad.

War and Peace was translated by Constance Garnett.

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio

Featured Article: Essential Russian Authors to Know in Audio


Don’t be daunted by the towering reputations of Russia’s literary giants. Listening is the perfect way to appreciate the masters. Russia is a sprawling country with a rich and complex history, which is reflected in its literature. Whether you’re keen on brushing up on classic Russian literature or you want to find a new author to explore, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best Russian authors, classic and contemporary, whose work you should know.

What listeners say about War and Peace

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A philosophical masterpiece!!!

I will not lie that I had my doubts when beginning this audiobook. The accent in which the narrator spoke seemed a bit annoying and harder to follow compared to the other audiobooks I've heard. But once you get introduced to the characters and get more conditioned to the narrator (who actually did a phenomenal job and deserves some kind of award for his 60 hour performance), you will look forward to your journey into Russia's high society and fall in love with this book.

The combination of the beloved characters, profound philosophies, and fascinating historical perspective makes this a capital read.
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Remembering War & Peace

I’m 76. I read and skiped parts while at university. This narration brought it back to life.

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what a freaking book!!!

i loved it. the stoey is amzing and the performance is adequate. it made me ver happy

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It's an amazing piece of work.

What did you love best about War and Peace?

I most loved the sense of being the in times. It is hard to imagine this period of history today and yet I know Tolstoy has nailed it. Most of us don't hobnob with the upper classes, to the extent there are any upper classes today, so the experience is unique.

What did you like best about this story?

His sense action is very clear. It is like being in the battles. Unfortunately, battles are confused and unclear snatches of perception to the participants, and since I don't know the history of these battles having never studied this theatre of the Napoleanic
Wars, the battles are confused and unclear.

Which scene was your favorite?

Prince Andre's death

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got it done

there is no way I could have ŕead this monster while employed . The performance was interesting and kept me listening during the criticism of the historians of the period.

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The best value for War and Peace on Audible

Fredrick Davidson isn't my favorite reader, although when I upped the speed to 1.50 I found his reading much more enjoyable. Even still, I think this is the best edition of War and Peace that Audible sells. The other editions will cost you 2 credits, where this is only 1, as it should be!
My main complaint with Davidson is that he makes Pierre sound like an old man (at least to my ear) as the protagonist I wish Davidson had voiced Pierre to sound younger especially since Pierre starts the novel as a young man.

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Excellent Book

This is am absolute must have is you like literature. It belongs on the sd held next to The Brothers Karamazov and Don Quixote.

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Epic story - Epic performance!

written over a hundred years ago. it remains an absolute classic story so well-written. the characters, so individual and so well defined it was a pleasure taking the trip through all their happiness, pain and loss with them . it was an emotional Journey. I have to say I laughed I cried and with the battle scenes( although not exactly my cup of tea) had me fearing for their safety. War and Peace has definitely proven the test of time has not diminished the greatness of this novel. it is definitely long but the journey was well worth it!

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Enthusiastic Narrator

The book was made more enjoyable by the enthusiastic contribution from the narrator; the characters were brought to life.

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Tolstoy! None higher - none above

Is it too old fashioned? NO!
Is it too long? NO!
Is it too boring? HELL NO!
Is it too good? YES it is :)

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