War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

A quick chapter centering on the emotions of Countess Natasha Rostova. Once Anna Mikhaylovna Drubetskaya left for the Bezukhov estate, Natasha becomes sentimental. Anna’s message, whether intended or not, affects her...

This episode is final installment with Prof. Mikaberidze. He discusses the nature of the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) and how the Napoleonic Wars, at least politically, marked Medieval Times giving way to Modern Age in...

Andrei embarks on his mission to “save the army” by getting back to Kutuzov. He secures a Cossack attendant and horse and travels from Brünn to Krems. He finds himself among thousands of soldiers. The roads were jammed...

The second part of Chapter VI brings pure unaltered fun in the form of "boys being boys." This chapter has bragging, gambling, drinking, a death-defying stunt and…..a bear on a chain. Mundane background about...

The goal of podcast is to supplement your reading of War & Peace with a down-to-earth description of what is happening and to provide commentary as well as context. Most episodes summarize a chapter. Particularly...

Anna's reception is full swing. As Tolstoy describes, "The spindles hummed steadily and ceaselessly on all sides." The patrons settle into a number of groups and discuss how an alliance is needed to stop...

At 8 a.m. Kutuzov rode towards Pratzen Village. He took command of a regiment he came across and led it into the Village. The other columns were advancing towards a massive valley, where the battle was picking up...

Les Nôtres (Bilibin's clique of diplomats) were happy to open their group to Andrei and they all chatted in Bilibin’s study. However, Andrei quickly took his leave for the royal reception. Emperor Francis met various...

For those picking up War & Peace, deciphering the context of this era is a challenge. This episode is a great resource regarding the initial stages of the War of the Third Coalition in 1805. France prevailed over the...

This chapter begins to highlight the optimism of the Coalition approaching the Battle of Austerlitz. We also experience a rare crossing of the major characters, Nicholas and Andrei. While Nicholas was riding with the...

This is an introduction to Calvary Maiden, a source Tolstoy used to portray the experiences of soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. Tolstoy utilized a variety of such works to craft, more than 50 years after the events...

Though always in their hearts, it had been months since the Rostovs received news of Nicholas. When Count Ilya finally received a letter from his son, he ran his study with it. Anna Drubetskaya, Boris’ mother, was...

Once separated for the evening, Anatole fell right asleep. The charmed women did not. Marya considered, “ Is he really to be my husband? This stranger who is so kind.” However, she soon feels the force of evil near her...

Marya comes from her room to meet Anatole and is quickly smitten by his attractiveness. He introduced himself and stood smiling with his chest expanded. He was hardly eloquent but had the invaluable faculty of...

In August of 1908, when 80 years old, Tolstoy penned the open letter, “ The Blessings of Love, ” referring to the Love which embodies the Almighty. Tolstoy wrote much, later-in-life, about his religious convictions, but...