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War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy · 1869 · Novel

Explore this on the mapTrace its ancestors and descendants live in the tree.
Structure ⓘ
Personal Drama Amidst Grand Events
Ideas
Epic historical romance

It established the template for the epic historical novel, featuring a vast cast of characters, intricate personal relationships, and a sweeping historical backdrop, including strong female characters navigating societal pressures.

What it is

This epic novel chronicles the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the stories of five aristocratic Russian families. It intertwines personal lives, philosophical discussions, and detailed historical accounts of war and peace.

↑Inherited from(1)

Waverley· 1814↑ open

Tolstoy expanded on the idea of individuals caught in the sweep of major historical conflicts, integrating philosophical reflections on history itself.

↓Passed on to(2)

Gone with the Wind· 1936↓ open

Tolstoy's novel predates 'Gone with the Wind' and is a foundational work in the genre of epic historical fiction, demonstrating how personal dramas and romances can be interwoven with grand historical events and featuring resilient female protagonists.

The Pillars of the Earth· 1989↓ open

Follett weaves the lives of ordinary people into the grand historical project of building a cathedral, echoing Tolstoy's focus on individuals within vast historical movements.

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