War and Peace Vol. 2 continues the epic saga of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars, exploring themes of love, politics, and fate. Tolstoy's writing is rich and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the time period and the characters' inner struggles.

The Dole translation captures the beauty and complexity of Tolstoy's prose, making it accessible to modern readers while maintaining the essence of the original text. The characters are deeply developed, each with their own motivations and flaws, making them feel incredibly real and relatable.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of the futility of war and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole. Tolstoy's philosophical musings on power, love, and the nature of existence are thought-provoking and profound, adding depth to the narrative.

Overall, War and Peace Vol. 2 is a masterpiece of Russian literature that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and engaging storytelling. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy beautifully crafted prose, this book is a must-read.

Book Description:
I am inclined to rank Count Tolstoy not among the realists or naturalists, but rather as an impressionist. He is often careless about accuracy. Numberless incongruities can be pointed out. He is as willing to adopt an anachronism as a medieval painter. I would defy an historian to reconstruct the battle of Austerlitz from Count Tolstoy's description. And yet what a picture of a battle was ever more vivid! It is like a painting where the general impression is true, but a close analysis discovers nothing but contradictory lines!What a succession -- a kaleidoscopic succession of life-views, he gives in "War and Peace!" One follows the other without confusion, naturally, with entrancing interest. "The court and camp, town and country, nobles and peasants, -- all are sketched in with the same broad and sure outline. We pass at a leap from a soiree to a battle-field, from a mud hovel to a palace, from an idyl to a saturnalia. As we summon our recollections of the prodigal outpouring of a careless genius, a troop of characters as lifelike as any in Scott or in Shakespeare, defile before our mental eye. Tolstoy finds endless opportunities of inculcating his favorite themes: -- the mastery of circumstance over will and desire, the weakness of man in the front of things, and the necessity for resignation." (from the Preface by N.H. Dole)Volume 1Volume 2Volume 3 (to be recorded)Volume 4 (to be recorded)