Before you Read War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy Book Summary, Analysis, Review (Russian Novel)

Welcome to the CodeX Cantina where our mission is to get more people talking about books! Was there a theme or meaning you wanted us to talk about further? Let us know in the comments below! Today we talk about all the things we wish we knew before starting "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy. "War and Peace" is a maximalist effort of Russian Realism. It combines fictional elements of a book with real historical figures. This is meant to be spoiler-free but obviously will discuss real events in history. The French Revolution, we believe, was critical for understanding the opening chapters. We want to talk about some movements in Europe and Russia to help set some context for your reading. Tolstoy does an amazing job of walking readers through the book from there. We continue to reflect back on this book now, 6 months later, after reading it.
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#warandpeace
#leotolstoyquotes
#russianliterature
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Wording Clarifications and Rationale:
“Coronation” is a Western word, but in Russian, the process is actually called “chrismation (anointment) to tsardom,” or “being wed to the tsardom”, a very important difference - one that is lost in translation when speaking of Russia.
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Content Used for Reference:
Ted Talk War and Peace: • Why should you read To...
Mikaberidze, A. (2020). The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History (Illustrated ed.). Oxford University Press.
LaMonica, M. J., & Motley, T. (2014). French Revolutions For Beginners. For Beginners.
Lieven, D. (2011). Russia Against Napoleon: The True Story of the Campaigns of War and Peace (Illustrated ed.). Penguin Books.
Charles Esdaile (2009). Napoleon's Wars: An International History. Penguin. pp. 192-93. ISBN 9781101464373.
Wikipedia contributors. (2022, April 5). Battle of Ulm. Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_...
Wikipedia contributors. (2022a, March 6). Battle of Austerlitz. Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_...
Blair, E. (2021, April 22). Notes on Nationalism. The Orwell Foundation. www.orwellfoundation.com/the-...
Asprey, R. (2001). The Reign Of Napoleon Bonaparte (1st ed.). Basic Books.

[@jamesstout6280]

Pretty sure this is the only channel on KZbin that can prep people with info about a book and not once mention any character name or plot spoiler. May the KZbin algorithm be with you.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

😂 I do take several passes to try to make sure it’s ideas and philosophies explored without forcing an answer where possible!

[@spark_6710]

Lol. Yes ! 👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

[@lennertjansen4299]

THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@newmanmarka28]

You wanna read the book, read th book

[@valuedCustomer2929]

@@TheCodeXCantina The implication that the likes of BIm are what brought about the end of slvery is 1984 levls of revisionist history

[@phaedrussmith1949]

At about 14 pages a day it's a 3 month read. I did it over the summer about 5 years back. I spent a good deal of time prepping, getting the overall ideas, the character names etc. so I didn't get lost and frustrated. I'm glad I did. In a lot of ways I think of my life in two halves: before I read War and Peace and after I read War and Peace.

[@maureenleckie6216]

I’m only a poorly educated working commoner,but I loved reading War and Peace(twice)

[@deeplyliterature9569]

I always tune in for your "Before you Read..." series. Makes me feel like I'm a superhero ready to tackle an insurmountable book!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Very much appreciated. Hope it can help someone!

[@syang1116]

indeed~~ insurmountable

[@patrickfitzgerald409]

Have read Dostoesky Crime & Punishment recently and also just finished The Karamazov Brothers both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Going to give War & Peace a go next as a new reader to Tolstoy.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Those are some fantastic book selections!

[@peerristine5306]

In the same sequence you mentioned I have just finished those novels and decided to undertake reading this one. Strange world....

[@antun88]

Read a lot of Tolstoys short stories and they are on another level, also I love history, so I know I'm going to love this.

[@Starscreamlive]

I didn't know what I was getting into when I picked up War & Peace last year, but I knew it was Tolstoy and that was enough for me. Great intro video to W&P!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Probably the amount of convincing I needed too 😂

[@aroundtheweird]

This is an amazing video. I didn't watch it before reading War and Peace just now, but it definitely would have helped guide me. Y'all are doing (and have done) solid work.

[@ChristyLuisDostoevskyinSpace]

AMAZING, as always! Thank you for all the research, editing and hardwork you put into this!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

🤗 Thanks for the kind words

[@JD.78]

I've decided to finally tackle War and Peace, and the best way for me to get through this behemoth now is the audiobook version, so i download all 60 Hours of it. Listening to this a few Hours per day i should work my way through it in about two weeks. It's more convenient for me and suits me better to consume books this way. I tried reading War and Peace several Years ago but i struggled somewhat with the names and had trouble keeping up with who was who. I've since been diagnosed and living with arthritis in my hands over the last few Years which makes turning pages (and therefore reading) difficult and often painful, especially for large and heavy books, so audiobooks are a great way for me to continue doing what i enjoy. Thanks for making this video, a little advice and motivation goes a long way. Cheers.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks so much for watching! You can follow along with War and Peace discussions here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZmYnIiopqyKoqs Support us: www.patreon.com/thecodexcantina

[@PinkbubblegumPop]

💛 Loooooved thisssss 💛 THANK YOOOOOOOU!

[@richardking3206]

For me, it’s not so much what it’s about, it’s who it’s about. All these great Russian novels share one problem. Every single character has about 5 or 6 different names. I can never get to grips with who someone is because I can’t remember all their names. By about a chapter in I’m utterly lost in a sea of names. If someone translating it could swap out all the different names for even two names, I’d have a chance of grasping the plot. I love the sound of all the themes and events that are happening (I think), but I know that they are not the issue for me. Even listening to an audiobook wouldn’t help. I think watching a film or tv series might help, because I’d be looking at faces, which I’m much better at. I’m thinking of getting the Bondarchuck film, which I’ve heard is good, but of course, such adaptations often change plot points or take a different focus or whatever. (Compare the film of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with the novel. Both brilliant, but distinctly different in their approaches). I love Russian/Soviet films, but have failed with their novels, apart from Ivan Denisovich.

[@papa20117]

Very interesting and informative video ❤

[@bobbyfew6592]

The only channel where i can indulge in these classic books im reading. I can learn context and important ideas but not spoil it. Feels like intro to russian lit or intro to brit lit

[@stephanievillot21]

thankful for this .. i’m considering to pick it up on january!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@StriketheSunMD]

well edited video. Looking forward to your discussion

[@TheCodeXCantina]

👍

[@ailen9859]

im 12 years old, and ive decided to read this book. ive been now researching about the historical context and background to be more ready for this, but im overall excited! (and terrified)

[@monkemilitia]

Cool as hell for you. I’m pretty well versed in the Napolenic Era and European history so I decided to delve into this book myself… how is it going for you so far now that’s it’s been a month?

[@ailen9859]

​@@monkemilitia Hello! a little embarrasing to say but ive only read 280 pages so far, haha. My copy has very tiny font though. Honestly, it is being an amazing read. I was very scared it was going to be too boring or hard to comprehend (classics are scary most of the time), but isnt! It is very interesting and entertaining to read. It has been a slow read for me (specially bc i'm not a native english speaker and bought it in english, so the language is a bit of a challenge too), but i'd definetly recommend it. Also, i didn't even reasearch thaaat much, but Tolstoy makes the novel pretty easy to understand even at my low knowledge of napolenic era. People (in my opinion) overreact a bit over it being too difficult to remember or get into. There's many characters, but if you are invested in the reading, it's not that hard to remember. Even at many POV's, they're all linked neatly. Also, i'd like to say it also makes it interesting how we have two major events happening; the war itself, the battles and the soldiers, and the royalty/noble people. The way it is written isn't as hard, I say it since i'm not even a native english speaker and I understand it. I mean, in my english classes we are at B1/B2. There's lots of vocabulary I don't know, of course, but it hasn't got that Jules Verne-like boring detailed descriptions I don't even understand in spanish. Another thing is, I probably didn't catch (and won't until I'm an adult) some philosophical or complex topics Tolstoy explains, of course. But I like a challenge, and I'd like to read it when I'm older to see what I missed. But for now, at my age, i'll take it as a very entertaining and complex story I enjoy. That's what reading was always about, I don't see it as a MUST to get everything. Also, I'm learning new vocabulary and getting to practice English! I see it as a win-win. Even so, I'm glad i picked up this book, and I really think you should read it, it's even better if you like this topic, since Tolstoy takes it in a very unique way. Sorry for any misspelling or grammar mistakes :)

[@DiegoDuran-or9cg]

Que gran análisis, es uno de mis escritores favoritos 🎉

[@donaldwarriner1640]

Having just finished, The Story of a Life by Konstantin Paustovsky I've been wondering what to read next. Paustovsky's story is moving and remarkably beautiful writing. The purpose of reading it was, for me, to gain a little insight into the war in the Ukraine with Russia. War & Peace was a heavy bit of reading in high school which I avoided. Now 67 it seems just the right time as I've grown more patient and desirous to learn about how this world came to be. So off to the library and thank you for this channel.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I hope you connect with it this time!

[@msrichardsreads]

I love this so much!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

❤️❤️❤️

[@aesthetewithoutacause3981]

Ayyy I was googling this just yesterday and was disappointed you hadn't made one yet! Cheers friends

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks for checking. What other books would you want to see a Before video for?

[@michaelrichards669]

Great video... I have only read a tiny bit of Anna Karenina. War and Peace is a book I for sure want to read. I will watch your other videos if you are covering Chapters. Thank You

[@PKVeteran]

The guy wrote in great depth about human. Nothing that people can search on google. Hard to read without a genuine interests in human.

[@tomlabooks3263]

Beyond interesting and so well produced, especially for someone like me who’s never read the novel. Congrats to your 20-strong content team! They are getting better and better at animations, editing and visuals 👏🏻👏🏻 😅

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Seems the 20 strong team all share the same name 😂

[@homoerectus744]

Ah yes,read this while in Dekalb Co. jail in Georgia,or at least the historical part.for my few weeks deliberately sidestepped the dialogue parts.semi cliff notes.

[@SheriMaple]

Thank you for the summary. I'm reading War and Peace in early 2023. I have not read Russian literature, so before I get into War and Peace, I'm starting with Eugene Onegin by Alexander Puskin during the holiday break.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Pushkin is one of our favorites! I hope you enjoy your reading 👍

[@BrandonsBookshelf]

Yeaaaahhhh boy! I see that editing!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

😂🎉

[@randomguylolz555]

FWIW I read the Rosemary Edmonds translation by and loved it.

[@BookishTexan]

Great intro!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks so much!

[@user-dk3jf9tm8i]

As a Russian who is interested in history and literature, I listened to almost all of Tolstoy's works. I recently finished listening to the book "Quiet Flows the Don". This is another Russian classic, but with the same principles of realism and tectonic changes in Russian society. Unfortunately, even in Russia you will not find many people who have read all this, especially in Europe or the USA. You have to be prepared to spend time on this literature and it is more for people who are over 30-40 years old. Although in today's society, many remain statistically teenagers in their thinking, as they do not face serious problems in life. Therefore, classical Russian literature has become a reading for the elite, of which there are very few. And the number of views of this video confirms this.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I’ll have to check out that book. Thanks

[@user-dk3jf9tm8i]

@@TheCodeXCantina But it is also veeery long

[@GreenerSideOfSam]

Ahhh! This is so great!! I’m so glad you did a video like this! Hopefully more people pick up this book after this video. I certainly will! Eventually 😅 moving onto Dostoyevsky after Kafka!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Oh my, such wonderful writings!

[@Christine-nj3kl]

Thank s head up

[@spark_6710]

Tolstoy was one of my most fsvourite writers when I was a kid/ teenager !! Him & Kenji Miyazawa ,both happened to be vegetarians ,I had become a vegan in the early 90's & stayed vegan for 17 years ,then became a vegetarian, it's been 13 years since ,not sure if they had a huge influence on that ,but now comes to think of it, I believe they did !! I've always loved animals & nature ,not wars & guns anyway .💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

[@clickbaitcabaret8208]

I got the blue cover translation of war and peace on Kindle for 99 cents. It's 1997 freaking pages long. That's twice as long as the two books I just read put together and no doubt far more complicated. It might take me until next year to finish reading it, but I'll give it a shot.

[@KimTaura]

One of my favorite books does this as well and I never knew that it was a part of War and Peace. Fictional characters interacting with real people makes the story so much more interesting. 2:02

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Very cool. Which book is it you’re thinking of?

[@willieluncheonette5843]

" Nobody is more worthy of a Nobel Prize than Leo Tolstoy. His creativity is immense, he was unsurpassed by anyone. He was nominated, but refused by the committee because of his unorthodox stories on Christianity. The Prize committee opens its records every fifty years. When records were opened in 1950, researchers rushed to see whose names were nominated and cancelled and for what reason. Leo Tolstoy was nominated, but never given the prize as he is not an orthodox Christian. He is one of Russia’s wisest men of the 20th century and his ideas on non-violence deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology. Mahatma Gandhi declared three persons his master. The first was Leo Tolstoy, the second was Henry Thoreau, and the third was Emerson. Once Leo Tolstoy was asked - How many experiences did you have of divine ecstasy in your life? Tolstoy started crying. He replied - Not more than 7 in my life of 70 years, but I am grateful for those 7 moments and miserable too. In those moments it was evident that is could have been the flavrr of my whole life but that didn’t happen. Those moments came and went on their own. But I am still grateful to God that even without any conscious effort on my part, once in a while He has been knocking at my doors.""

[@jamessmithers4456]

Tk you

[@Scottlp2]

Before reading it print out list of all characters to refer to-lots if characters and many have 3 names (first, nickname and family name).

[@theironpumpkin]

Please do a discussion on The Glass Bead Game by Herman Hesse.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[@TheNerdyNarrative]

Yep, I’m in the Bore and Peace group 😂

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@Tolstoy111]

Did you finish it? What didn't you like?

[@xpert_thiefgaming6195]

❤

[@bellemx9357]

I love that masterpiece, I start to read is almost 2000 pages in arabic, I read so many of Dosteovesky and telstoy books hope to read more of them. But that book is extremely hard but mind opening

[@susaville]

I just started reading it, but I'm feeling like I so easily get some of the names mixed up, or forget who is whom, and then get lost.

[@charleswilliams8368]

The guy at 2:14 looks like Denisov.

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

Do not get the 3 volume set from Everyman's edition which omitted 3 chapters with no explanation as to why they were gone!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

!!!

[@jameslabs1]

I hope the perspective and undertone you give is the authors and not current feeling.

[@reesehendricksen269]

The issue with Toltoy is that while he is correct to dismiss the great man theory, he is wrong to say those in power have no effect at all. This is further compounded by him discounting doctors as quacks who don't know or effect anything at all, and him dismissing expertise in general. Like at the end with Nikolai Rostov being a good farmer for intuitively knowing the land, compared to the foolish Brits and Dutch who scientifically studied the land and were far more productive with it historically. Essentially, I distain his quick assertion that anyone who studied, or claimed to be an authority on the matter, is irrelevant, as by that matter he denies the will of all people, for we are all experts in something.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I had some similar feelings at time too.

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

Yeah it was Bore and Peace for me. 😂 Took me 6 freakin' months to read that book. And...yeah, didn't like it. 😂 All the characters were whiney and insufferable and since the Great Man Theory is obviously garbage I never found Tolstoy's awkwardly inserted ponderances all that stimulating. But hey, you get bragging rights at least. 😆 Fantastic video though! 😊

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I need to create a “I survived war and peace” shirt souvenir 😂

[@Tolstoy111]

The characters were completely human and as full as any fictional characters. As the saying goes, if Life could write, it would write like Tolstoy

[@sandy-jn5rd]

same, i felt that the peasants’ POV was sorely underrepresented. none of these 3:14 but full of posh elite parties. Or is that Tolstoy’s point? foreshadowing the revolution 🤔

[@rev.stephena.cakouros948]

The French Revolution did not do what this video says of it. Liberty entered the picture and the people had a say in their affairs in America. This idea came forward in 1639 when The Fundamental Laws of Connecticut subscribed to the idea that protecting liberty is the role of government. That was revolutionary. That idea showed up in the first paragraph of the US Constitution, 1787. One Frenchman said, "At last liberty has found a nation." Lafayette had dirt from America placed on his casket.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks for sharing. America was a very interesting subject in this regard. Cheers.

[@rupert99]

No social mobility in the 18th c. ? You have to be kidding me ! Are youreferring to 2024 ?

[@brucebean2805]

This is like 5th grade.