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War and Peace

War and Peace is a historical novel by Leo Tolstoy, originally published in installments from 1865 to 1869.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

War and Peace is a historical novel by Leo Tolstoy, originally published in installments from 1865 to 1869. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it combines fictional family narratives with essays on history and philosophy. It is widely regarded as a major work of world literature.

Background and publication

War and Peace was first serialized in Russian magazines starting in 1865 and later published as a revised book version in 1869. It was written by Leo Tolstoy in Russian under the title Война и миръ.

Plot and setting

The novel follows intertwined families and individuals in Russian high society during the Napoleonic era. Its historical setting includes the events of 1805 and the 1812 French invasion of Russia.

Themes and style

The work blends a fictional story with philosophical essays on history, free will, and the role of individuals in shaping events. It is noted for realism, psychological detail, and scope.

Reception and legacy

War and Peace is commonly described as a masterwork of Russian literature and one of the world’s greatest novels. Its length and ambition have made it one of the best-known examples of the literary epic.

Key facts

  • The novel is set against the Napoleonic Wars, especially the French invasion of Russia.
  • It mixes narrative fiction with philosophical and historical commentary.
  • Tolstoy first published an early version serially beginning in 1865 and later revised the work for book publication in 1869.
  • It is widely considered one of the greatest novels ever written and a cornerstone of Russian literature.
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Canadian context

War and Peace is part of the standard canon of world literature studied, translated, and read in Canada, including in university and secondary-school literature courses.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote War and Peace?
War and Peace was written by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy.
When was War and Peace published?
It was first serialized beginning in 1865 and published in book form in 1869.
What is War and Peace about?
It depicts Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars, especially the impact of war on several aristocratic families.
Is War and Peace a novel?
Yes. It is generally classified as a historical novel, though Tolstoy also described it as something beyond a conventional novel.
Why is War and Peace famous?
It is famous for its scale, realism, psychological depth, and combination of fiction with historical and philosophical reflection.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/War-and-Peace
    Supports: Authorship, publication range, length, literary significance, and genre
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/literature-and-arts/literature-other-modern-languages/russian-and-eastern-european-literature/war-and-peace
    Supports: Historical setting, serialization, and broad description of the novel
  3. The Online Books Page, University of Pennsylvania — https://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/work?id=olbp106403
    Supports: Serialization beginning in 1865, revised 1869 book publication, and English title
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace
    Supports: Original title, setting, and general overview of the work