Books

New York: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co, 1889. Hardcover. Fine. First authorized American edition, the first edition translated from the Russian by Nathan Haskell Dole (there was an unauthorized Clara Bell translation in 1886, translated from the French). Four volumes in two, as issued. 12mos. 359, [ii], 392pp.; 424, [ii], 408pp. Dark blue cloth stamped in gilt. Dole also contributes a three-page preface. Neat early gift inscription in each volume, else a fine and bright set. Exceptionally uncommon. Rare in this condition.

War and Peace is a novel by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published serially, then in its entirety in 1869. It is regarded as one of Tolstoy's finest literary achievements and remains a classic of world literature. The narrative chronicles the history of the French invasion of Russia through the eyes of five Russian aristocratic families and reflects on the philosophical themes of war, peace, and the human condition.