I am a good reader, and can comprehend material very well. However, will some of the book require an understanding of history that I may not have? Or some other thing of the sort? I know my history well, but I just want to make sure it is readable without guidance before I start. Thanks.
2007-01-31 16:01:51 · 7 answers · asked by fslcaptain737 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
You can definately read this on it's own without alot of historical background... The big thing to keep in mind is keeping track of the massive amount of characters... If you don't do that you will be completely lost. My suggestion would be to make sure you read it without a long break. Read some daily or you might forget the complicated plot line and how the characters relate to each other. The family trees do help however they do not do the whole job for you. It is a great read though if you can handle it. Tolstoy is one of my favorite authors and there are few who can match his writing ability :) Have fun reading :)
2007-01-31 18:33:38 · answer #1 · answered by band geek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure you have a good translation. Direct Translations of Russian lit. are very difficult to read because they ramble and place words in funny order, so find one that is written in the easiest, smoothest English you can understand. A good translation will also have footnotes that explain what parts of time and wars and people that the novel is talking about.
Yes, It will help to know some Russian history prior to reading, because Tolstoy likes to drop a lot of names that represent a LOT of isms (fascism, communism, etc....)
Also, it helps to keep a note card or paper with you to record all of the names and nicknames. For every character, they have about three different names that they go by in the book. It can get confusing.
But please don't let me scare you from reading it! Again, good translation and you will be fine. Happy Reading!
2007-01-31 18:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by slaughter114 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not have to have an in-depth grasp of history to enjoy War & Peace. Most editions have a family tree so that you can keep up with the characters, who are called by their first name, or their patronimic name, or their last name, or all three, or two out of three.
Allow plenty of time and enjoy!
2007-01-31 16:19:50 · answer #3 · answered by jcboyle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have some knowledge of history, it's beneficial. It's definitely not required, though; I read it with just basic knowledge of the Napoleonic period, and I didn't have problems. Now that I have more knowledge on this period from my Honors European Civ class, I may reread it sometime, but that's just me :) Have fun reading; I absolutely loved it!
2007-01-31 16:18:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes , you can read it as is.
Just don't refer to it as its original title " War, What is it Good For?"
2007-01-31 17:28:38 · answer #5 · answered by James N 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just buy the movie. It will tell you everything you need to know.
2007-01-31 16:07:51 · answer #6 · answered by In Honor of Moja 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can read it right away on its own.
2007-01-31 16:53:39 · answer #7 · answered by xander 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋