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Why should you read Tolstoy's "War and Peace"? - Brendan Pelsue

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"War and Peace." A tome. A slog. The sort of book you shouldn’t read in bed because if you fall asleep it could give you a concussion. Right? Only partly. "War and Peace" is a long book, sure, but it’s also a thrilling examination of history populated with some of the deepest, most realistic characters you’ll find anywhere. Brendan Pelsue shares everything you need to know to read this classic book.


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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Brendan Pelsue
  • Director Patrick Smith
  • Animator Patrick Smith
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Who was Leo Tolstoy? Visit this site to find out more.

Never had the chance to read War and Peace? Find out why so many people love War and Peace here. 18 Novel Facts about War and Peace might inspire you. Also of interest may be: War and Peace: the 10 things you need to know (if you haven't actually read it) and War and Peace: many stories, many lives.
You can read the book itself here, and find tips to help you along the way here.

War and Peace has 15 books and 365 chapters, so it might be helpful to put yourself on a reading schedule: Read War and Peace in just 10 minutes a day. 

Read about serfdom, the Battle of Austerlitz, and Napolean's 1812 invasion of Russia for some historical context on the events in the book. To learn more about the Decemberists, Tolstoy's original intended subject for the book, look here. 

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Brendan Pelsue
  • Director Patrick Smith
  • Animator Patrick Smith
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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