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I have read several reviews by those that can read the language and the consensus by them seem to favor these two translators. HelloJust to add another into the mix.there is another translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. I always look for their translation while buying my Russian books. I believe they have won many awards for the efforts. Just something that I thought I would add to further your enjoyment while reading.
It is simply long because it contains so much--so many characters, so many profound issues, so much military action, and so much history. Moby Dick, for example, is known to be about whales and obsession (more the author's obsession with whales that Captain Ahab's obsession with Moby Dick it seems to me). There are a number of classics that aren't so much read as they are known. Much of what I learned and remember about Russia, Napoleon, the Napoleonic campaigns, the Battle of Borodino, Russian geography, Russian society, General Kutuzov, military strategy, nineteenth century weaponry, soirees, and romance came from the pages of this book. War and Peace is not so much known for even its superficial content as it is for its length--a hindrance that keeps many readers away and even thwarts high school teachers from assigning it as required reading. This is a shame, because far from other alleged "classics" that are a tedious slog, War and Peace is an enjoyable read. The epic scope gives the reader an abundance of reasons to keep turning the pages to learn more about the era, the characters, the history, and the plot, making this one of the biggest page-turners I have read among the classics. Take the time to read this novel--it will be a delight, not the chore that the jokes about length might make you think.
no problems at all very satisfied with purchase process and pleased with the timely delivery. would certainly not hesitate to recommend this seller.
I can tell you now, that the paper has a good thickness and is not as thin as bible paper, it's not opaque. So i'd like to say these 3 books are beautifully crafted, it's hardcover is covered by linen and it can be placed flat on a table for reading.(it also has a nice little sturdy string for a bookmark) The Maude translation is amazing and is certainly one of the best. I suppose everyone one who is reading these reviews are wondering about the books condition and quailty and not it's world famous content. There is no typos i have come across so far.I only have one complaint, I'm not sure if this was the case for everyone but the books I purchased were a little smelly, perhaps the binding. They are still snippets of French, so have google translator near you. The font is a very readable size and all the pages have the same colour ink.Some other reviewers have commented that the paper is too thin, and that made me hesitant to buy at first. The smell has luckily faded.I highly recommend this all who are interested in the great classics. It's a very good read, and it's will look nice on your shelf :)
Reading War and Peace was truly an amazing experience. However, I have spent so much time with these characters that I will miss them. I adored Pierre in his humanity, I got frustrated with Natasha for her immaturity, I respected Marie for her morality, and felt so many other emotions pertaining to the immense cast of characters.
This incredible historical epic was much more accessible than I thought it would be, and I think much of that has to do with Rosemary Edmunds great translation. Sometimes the battle scenes were mildly tedious, but the results from these military campaigns affected every character. It consumed my life for a month and it was well worth it.
Until I really got used to the style and pace, I struggled a bit with keeping names straight, but taking notes really helped in keeping everyone in order. Having looked at a few other editions and translations, I was pleased with Edmunds' straightforward style. It was not burdened with too much French or footnotes and was comprehensive throughout.The story itself was so vast and the characters so authentic and fallible that I was completely absorbed with the saga unfolding before me.
I was pleased with the "happy ending" that describes everyone's lives seven years later in the first epilogue, but I struggled through the second epilogue and Tolstoy's philosophical dissection of historyI am so thrilled with the feeling of accomplishment having concluded this daunting but highly enjoyable endeavor. This was a rewarding read and an incredible classic.
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