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In these unabridged readings, Tolstoy's stories are returned to the living voice, as they were first imagined: spoken slowly, as one might speak by firelight. They tell of human hearts in search of tr... more
FAQs about The Tolstoy Library:How many episodes does The Tolstoy Library have?The podcast currently has 481 episodes available.
June 27, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 7In which the pressing tumult of soldiers and wagons crossing a narrow bridge against the backdrop of a restless river is observed with a mixture of weariness and wry amusement, capturing the disorder and human foibles amidst the ranks. The determined efforts of officers to impose order reveal the tensions between infantry and cavalry, set against the casual banter and sharp eyes of men caught in the unyielding machinery of war....more12minPlay
June 27, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 8In which a squadron of hussars faces the tense and uncertain moments before a skirmish on a bridge, the quiet before battle filled with the vivid impressions and conflicting emotions of young soldiers newly acquainted with the reality of war. The clash of duty, courage, and fear plays out beneath the calm evening sky as orders are muddled and the bridge is set aflame, while the beauty of the surrounding landscape stands in poignant contrast to the turmoil of those involved....more21minPlay
June 27, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 6In which the Russian army retreats deliberately across rivers, guarded by vigilant commanders inspecting their positions beneath skies shifting between rain and sunlight, while conversation and quiet moments amongst officers momentarily soften the tension of the looming conflict. The quiet before the storm is marked by the measured roar of artillery and the steady advance of troops, all observed with a mixture of anxious anticipation and disciplined resolve....more7minPlay
June 26, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 3In which the seasoned General Kutúzov conducts a measured and enigmatic discourse with his Austrian counterparts amid the mounting tension of uncertain military fortunes, revealing the complexities of alliance and command with a blend of irony and solemnity. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew Bolkónski emerges transformed by his experiences, grappling with sobering news of defeat and contemplating the heavy responsibilities that lie ahead for himself and his comrades in arms....more16minPlay
June 26, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 4In which the lively camp life among the Pávlograd Hussars unfolds with youthful camaraderie and the somber undercurrent of officers’ fortunes rising and falling at cards, while the spirited Nicholas Rostóv navigates the uneasy tensions within his squadron. The loss of a purse sets in motion a quiet unraveling of trust, revealing human frailty amid the disciplined facades of military life....more21minPlay
June 26, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 5In which a spirited debate unfolds among the officers over matters of honour and pride within the regiment, revealing the delicate balance of respect and discipline that governs their interactions. The arrival of stirring news breaks the tension, as the promise of imminent action kindles a shared resolve among the men....more9minPlay
June 25, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 2In which the venerable General Kutúzov inspects a disciplined regiment upon their arrival near Braunau, observing both the soldiers’ appearance and their spirits with a mix of sternness and kindly understanding. Amidst the march and lively singing, interactions among officers reveal a tapestry of duty, character, and human foibles set against the measured cadence of military life....more18minPlay
June 25, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 2 Chapter 1In which we find a Russian infantry regiment newly arrived in an Austrian town preparing itself, under the watchful eye of its proud but irritable commander, for inspection by the commanding general. Their orderly appearance belies the weary soldiers’ worn boots and the tension stirred by a certain defiant figure in a coat of unusual hue, as the regiment readies to meet its stern scrutiny....more12minPlay
June 25, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 1 Chapter 28In which Prince Andrew prepares to depart for service, sharing a solemn and tender farewell filled with familial concerns and solemn promises, while the quiet domestic life of the Bolkónski household reveals the tensions and affections that underlie their interactions. Through thoughtful reflections and gentle discourse, the characters navigate the complexities of duty, love, and faith amidst the somber shadows of impending separation....more22minPlay
June 24, 2026War and Peace Volume 1 Book 1 Chapter 25In which the disciplined and exacting Prince Nicholas Andréevich administers a rigorous and taxing education in geometry to his meek and anxious daughter, Princess Mary, amidst the quiet order of their estate at Bald Hills, while news and letters from friends in Moscow weave a tapestry of distant concerns and tender attachments. The princess, caught between the austere demands of her father and the gentle emotional support of her friends, finds herself reflecting on the heavy weight of war, inheritance, and the complexities of affection within the soothing yet somber confines of country life....more23minPlay
FAQs about The Tolstoy Library:How many episodes does The Tolstoy Library have?The podcast currently has 481 episodes available.