Set during one of the most turbulent periods in European historythe Napoleonic WarsWar and Peace offers a sweeping portrait of Russian society in the early 19th century. Against the backdrop of Napoleons invasion of Russia in 1812, Tolstoy captures the impact of war on individuals and families, from nobles and soldiers to peasants and civilians.

Drawing on extensive historical research, the novel portrays the complexities of military strategy, the shifting political landscape and the cultural tensions between Western Europe and Russia. Tolstoy also challenges traditional historical narratives by focusing on the collective experiences of ordinary people alongside grand historical figures.

Through richly detailed settings and multifaceted characters, War and Peace explores how history shapes personal destiniesand how individuals, in turn, influence the course of history. It remains a landmark work for understanding both the human and historical dimensions of this pivotal era.