Books

Small Octavo. First Edition in English, preceeding the British edition. The first 4 volumes of six only. Translated from the French by Clara Bell. Bound in publisher's brown pictorial cloth, decorated in gilt and black; dark brown coated endpapers. Volume I of Before Tilsit is first issue with Gottsberger imprint on copyright page, with library stamp on title page, scuffs to front board and rear pastedown; - volume II of Before Tilsit has 1887 date on title page and without the Gottsberger imprint on copyright page (second issue). Volume I of The Invasion is first issue, with the Gottsberger imprint on copyright page; small chip on ffep; bookplate. Volume II of The Invasion is first issue with the Gottsberger imprint on the copyright page; closed tear on ffep. The final two volumes Borodino, volumes I and II are not present here. An important work, which is considered to be one of the best historical novels in world literature today.

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.