This is a 28-minute synopsis of the 25 chapters of Book 1 and Part 1 of War & Peace. It describes the historical context of the events Tolstoy brings to life, which starts in July of 1805.

The analysis delves into major themes including war always seemingly on the horizon as well as the psychological battle of war & peace we all face.

The discussion highlights how Tolstoy portrays the dying era of Catherine the Great (r. 1762-1796) in fictional characters such as Count Kirill Bezukhov (the first character to die); and General Nikolai Bolkonsky. Their sons, Pierre & Andrei, are the protagonists and two of the great characters of literature. They are enamored with the chief adversary of the novel, Napoleon.

Russian aristocracy, as well as French exiles, view Napoleon as a malevolent threat. However, Pierre and Andrei view him of as a champion of a new era. The more progressive minded of the time view the status quo as a handful of nobles being supported by a peasant class tied to the land – the serfs.

Given what Ukraine is NOW being put through (and has historically suffered) by Russian aggression and policy, context is given to how many of the serfs referenced by Tolstoy were located in Ukraine and how the Cossacks referenced have traditionally formed a basis of Ukrainian identity.

Pierre begins the novel as the illegitimate but favored son of Count Bezukhov and winds up receiving the entire Bezukhov estate, despite efforts of the Count’s other relatives (Vissily Kuragin & the Count’s nieces) to deprive him of same.

Tolstoy contrasts the metropolitan areas, St. Petersburg & Moscow, with the country-side, Smolensk, where General Bolkonsky lives. Bolkonsky has two children, Andrei & Mayra. Andrei readies to set out in his father’s footsteps, taking his first military position as an aide to historical General Mikhail Kutuzov.

Andrei admires Pierre as he sees within him a transcendent spirit. Andrei has a beautiful pregnant wife, but has never developed an affinity for her. Mayra is religiously devoted and exemplifies Tolstoy’s faith, as she runs her life by the teachings of Christ. This was not always the case but Scripture very much became Tolstoy’s guiding light. Marya views fault in her father and brother for not having sufficient devotion.

This section brings the reader closer to war with France. Russia is allied with Austria and the plans are to march soldiers 700 miles westward and link up with their forces. Most of the young men we meet, either already have or take up a position that will get them involved in the conflict. This includes Andrei, Nikolai Rostov (Hussars); Boris (Imperial Guard); Lt. Alphonse Berg and Anatole Kuragin (Semyonsky regiment), Dolokhov (Semënov regiment) and Hippolyte Kuragin (Diplomat). It remains a mystery where Pierre will wind up.

In this early “peace” of the novel, we get a look at a soirée in St. Petersburg, the Rostov name-day celebration in Moscow, a night of gambling and hijinks of some of the men, young love between the Rostov children and their childhood flames, and a lot of talk of the coming war.

Thank you very much for listening and it is my hope you find benefit of using this material as a supplement.