The day after the review, Boris rides to Olmütz to build on his burgeoning relationship with Andrei, with the goal of obtaining a position of adjutant. He reflected, “ It is all well for Rostov, whose father sends him 20,000 rubles at a time, to NOT wish to be anyone’s lackey, but I who have little but my brains, must not miss any opportunity !” Olmütz was transformed into the headquarters where the Emperors resided. When Boris inquired of Andrei, he was shunned by officials who grew tired of th...
Jun 10, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 13
This second episode on the Calvary Maiden takes you through some of the formative years of the author, Nadezhda Durova. Durova wrote briefly of her years growing up then focused on her time dressing as a man and serving for 10 years as a low-level officer in the Czar’s army, starting around 1806. Her journals were source material for Tolstoy as to the lives of those who served in the period War & Peace is set, 1805-1812. It is presented to give you a glimpse into those frequently nameless an...
May 28, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Tolstoy addresses the over-confidence of Napoleon’s adversaries prior to the battle of Austerlitz, when Kutuzov’s forces and the Austrians reached their limit of no further retreat, winding up near Olmütz. Here, Emperors Alexandr & Francis would review their troops that numbered around 80,000 (both seasoned and reinforcements) before a 40-mile march south to fight the French, who had around 50,000 soldiers near Brünn. Napoleon’s supply lines were extended after traveling so far into the Holy...
May 22, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 11
This edition examines the second Sevastopol Sketch, where Tolstoy covers an all-too-common artillery battle and truce afterward. It focuses on May of 1855, roughly six months into the 11-month Siege during the Crimean War. In the recent W&P episode, Tolstoy describes how young soldiers are typically unable to speak the truth and will conform their wartime stories to the expectations of their audience, as well as put themselves in the best light. He plays this out using the fictional Rostov, ...
Apr 16, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 4
The latter part of this chapter has Nicholas Rostov continuing his parley with Boris and Berg. I broke it into two episodes because the latter section deals with the first interaction between Andrei and Nichols, who surprisingly are not familiar with one another. After Rostov alludes to his award, Boris retrieves the money and letter from Rostov’s family. Upon reading a few lines, Rostov hid his face, ashamed he frightened his family over his trivial injury. Berg then makes the mistake of commen...
Apr 10, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 Pavlograd Hussars, Boris was serving more comfortably with the Imperial Guard, accompanying Czar Alexander as he traveled toward Olmütz, Moravia, a mostly German speaking enclave of the Holy Roman Empire that sits along a tributary of the Danube River. The allies were uniting in the...
Mar 24, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 depicted in War & Peace, the spirit of that first decade and a half of the 19th century. This source material was an unconventional choice as Calvary Maiden contains the journals of a young woman, Nadezhda Andreyevna Durova, who presented as a man to pursue military ambitions....
Mar 17, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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 living with the family and aimed to be useful. She found Ilya sobbing and laughing. His darling boy suffered a small wound but was promoted. He found this reason to thank God. Still, he wonders how to tell his wife of the injury. Anna therefore took the rest of the day preparing the Co...
Mar 10, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 as a Satanic image mixed with Anatole’s. She rang for her maid, asking her to sleep in her room. Lise grumbled how uncomfortable she was in bed. Anatole’s presence reminded her of when she was not impacted by pregnancy and loneliness. Amélie Bourienne walked about the winter garde...
Feb 27, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 composure. He knew he inspired curiosity, awe and lust. Marie wished to convey that she did not expect to interest him. The conversation became genial thanks to Lise. Speaking French, she drew all into her stories. Shaking a finger at Anatole, she reveals, “ I have heard of your doings in ...
Feb 23, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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 this episode will focus on this relatively short letter addressed to “ Good People Everywhere .” Tolstoy explicitly introduces the concept of divine Love in War & Peace through Mayra reaching out in prayer when she faces the temptation for physical pleasure when Anatole pays ...
Feb 05, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Nicholas Bolkónski receives a letter from Vasíli Kuragin, who would be visiting with his prodigal son, Anatole. This is a suitor for Marya. Bolkónski always held a poor opinion of Vasíli, but this view converted into an utter contempt. On the morning Vasíli was to arrive, the head serf, Alpátych, deferentially explained that he had the path swept of snow after being informed a “minister” was arriving. Bolkónski exploded, “ A minister? Who gave orders to sweep? For me, there are no ministers!” He...
Jan 28, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 6
This second and final part of the first Sevastopol Sketch takes you from the Assembly Hall to the artillery fortifications/bastions. After taking in the majestic sky, you are brought back to earth, to the vulgarity of war. A funeral procession marches by. The music and banners cover up the beastliness you observed in the Hall. You reach the lively city center and pass inns, shops and street merchants. You notice the variety of officers, many finding relief in alcohol. You overhear the musings of...
Jan 22, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Prince Vasíli is on the precipice of enticing Pierre to ask for his daughter’s hand. He hardly let a day go by without hosting an event at which Pierre was present. For six weeks, the new Count was lured into making a home of Vasíli’s mansion. Vasíli was planning to get two of his children married, Anatole as well as Hélène. Vasíli felt compelled to finalize matters with Pierre before touring his neglected provincial estates. He then desired to pick-up Anatole from his regiment and take him to S...
Dec 29, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The first Sevastopol Sketch focuses on December of 1854. Sevastopol is a name of Greek origin and is a well-known port city in Crimea. Before it was Ukrainian -- and before it was Russian or under Russian occupation -- it was part of the Crimean Khanate, heavily influenced by the Ottomans. Greek names were stamped on conquered cities just north of the Black Sea (think also Melitopol, Mariupol, and Kherson) by Czars & Czarinas as a show of respect for Greek culture. Notably, Greeks had a pres...
Dec 18, 2024•8 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Note: There are NO spoilers in the the 2nd Epilogue to War & Peace, which is analyzed in bonus chapters. This final part of the novel involves a metaphysical exploration of the philosophy underlying W&P. This is a complex chapter easy to get lost in. Tolstoy wrestles with one of his common themes -- Are people led or are they ready to move and inevitably pops up someone to guide them in the direction they were going? Tolstoy emphasizes that the life of the nations is not symbolically exp...
Dec 07, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Part III of Book I focuses on Pierre. We are taken off the battlefield. The attitude has changed toward the new Count Bezúkhov, with this section serving as a critique on the vane pursuits of men within Tolstoy’s own class. Instead of retreating after being foiled in his attempt to usurp Pierre’s estate, Vassily uses his proximity to become Pierre’s mentor. He even uses his daughter, Hélène, to attract Pierre’s focus. The description of Vassily is as a true man of this world. His heart is so cor...
Nov 24, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 1
This episode examines Tolstoy’s influences in the sense that Tolstoy takes attitudes from major events of his day, including the humiliating defeat of the Crimean War of 1856, and imposes them on his characters. Tolstoy was conceptualizing and writing War & Peace in the 1850s and 60s, when liberal reforms were being pursued. Tolstoy therefore brings an idealism to his rendition of the victory over Napoleon in 1812. The episode also has a brief review of Part 1 of Book 1 to ready the reader t...
Oct 14, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Bagration’s men held off the French for as long as practical and retreated in the darkness. The goal was to fight until the sun went down. Tushin accompanied the working guns and encountered officers as well as some wounded. He was overwhelmed with grief, having come down from his heroic effort. Orders were to leave the wounded but those affected felt it best to keep up with the retreat. Among the injured was Nicholas Rostov, pleading for a seat on the gun carriage. Tushin gave him a spot. They ...
Oct 06, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In his Sevastopol Sketches , Tolstoy develops his ability to depict the reality of death within military conflict. His proficiency stemmed from service including three years in the Caucuses as well as action during the Crimean War (1853-56), both as a junior artillery officer. During his time near Chechnya (north of Georgia and west of Dagestan), Tolstoy observed such brutal Russian tactics as punitive raids and the indiscriminate the shelling of small villages. He was also affected by the burni...
Sep 18, 2024•10 min•Season 5Ep. 1
The 1790 Siege of Izmail is profiled as Tolstoy builds this experience into War &Peace characters who advanced to leadership roles, most notably General Kutuzov. The Siege was led by General Alexander Suvorov against an Ottoman stronghold near the mouth of the Danube and along the northwest coast of the Black Sea. The Russian and Ottoman empires spent centuries fighting for influence in this area. The loss of Izmail was a factor in the Ottomans leaving the North Black Sea region. While the T...
Aug 24, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 22
The infantry regiments that had been caught unaware and scattered in the woods amidst the French assault. Soldiers shouted, “ Cut off!” - a most dangerous sentiment. “ Surrounded?! We’re lost!” was the collective reply. The General realized that he, an officer of 22 years, would be held responsible. He forgot his standoff with the cavalry colonel. Tolstoy notes, “ The moment of moral conviction, which decides the fate of battles had arrived. Would his soldiers attend to the desperate voice of th...
Aug 12, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Tushin’s battery managed to set fire to Schöngrabern, which delayed the advance of the French, who were occupied putting out fires. The left flank —which consisted of the Azóv and Podólsk regiments as well as the Pávlograd hussars, tried to attack but were stymied by superior forces under Gen. Lannes. Bagration sent Zherkóv to the general commanding the left flank with orders to retreat. Zherkóv, who Andrei once chastised for unprofessionalism, made the decision to deviate from duty but give him...
Jul 20, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 20
The Battle of Schöngrabern intensifies upon Murat’s breaking of the truce and resultant barrage of cannon fire. General Bagratión and his contingent reached the highest point of the right flank then rode down to where musketry was heard. On account of smoke, they could barely see. They quickly encountered wounded. One man was dragged by two soldiers after a bullet pierced his throat. He was gurgling and spitting blood. Another walked aimlessly, groaning while swinging a limp arm. Blood streamed ...
Jun 29, 2024•6 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Andrei examined the position of the French, focusing on a puff of smoke from the cannon that fired. Two mounted Frenchmen galloped up the hill while a small column headed down to strengthen their front line. Another puff appeared and it was clear - the Battle of Schöngrabern had begun! A messenger just arrived with Bonaparte’s stern letter and Murat, humiliated, moved his forces to attack the center and outflank both Russian wings, hoping for a quick victory before Napoleon's arrival. Andrei was...
May 27, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 18
This episode initially exams the lead-up to the Battle of Schöngraben. Murat and Lannes had led the capture of Vienna. However, Vienna was a symbolic prize as it was taken at the cost of pursuing Kutuzov and crushing his army. Murat moved on towards the Austrian town of Hollabrunn to cut the Russian line of retreat and prevent them from reaching Znaim (Znojmo - a Czech city). Kutuzov was ultimately headed toward Olmutz (Olomouc – another Czech city). If Kutuzov could remain on the front-foot, he...
May 17, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 17
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 Central Europe. Before 1805, was no Germany but the HRE, a commonwealth of over 300 subdivisions of mostly German-speaking states. This included kingdoms, free states, duchies, and bishoprics. The Emperor was elected by nine rulers of the more influential states. From the 16th Century ...
Apr 11, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Kutuzov is presented with a choice while the French advance toward Krems: (1) abandon the main road or (2) continue toward Ölmutz. Each is fraught with peril and he chooses the latter. It was in this direction he had sent Gen. Bagration, who Andrei (off-book) convinced Kutuzov to allow to join. In the previous chapter, Kutuzov steadfastly refused the request, under the belief Bagration would be decimated. The idea was to march rapidly and fortify a position, engage the French, once again allowin...
Apr 04, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 15
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 1st Coalition in 1797 and 2nd Coalition in 1801. Afterward, France controlled much of Western Europe, including (from today’s perspective): Belgium, much of Southern Germany, Switzerland, and various parts of Italy. Spain was also a junior partner of France. Napoleon was having ...
Mar 17, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 14
This episode is part I of III of my interview with LSU History Professor Alexander Mikaberidze, an expert on the Napoleonic Wars. I'm breaking our interview up into roughly 20 minute segments. We focus on General Mikhail Kutuzov, who is introduced, in-depth, to War & Peace readers in Book 1 Part 2. Chapter 13 has Prince Andrei taking in the scars Kutuzov suffered from being shot by musket balls in Crimea. Professor Mikaberidze notes Kutuzov, as a young man, was serving in the Danubian princi...
Mar 09, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 13
