Tolstoy's epic novel of love, destiny and self-destruction, in a gorgeous new clothbound edition from Penguin Classics. Anna Karenina seems to have everything - beauty, wealth, popularity and an adored son. But she feels that her life is empty until the moment she encounters the impetuous officer Count Vronsky. Their subsequent affair scandalizes society and family alike and soon brings jealously and bitterness in its wake. Contrasting with this tale of love and self-destruction is the vividly observed story of Levin, a man striving to find contentment and a meaning to his life - and also a self-portrait of Tolstoy himself. This acclaimed modern translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky won the PEN/ Book of the Month Club Translation Prize in 2001. Their translation is accompanied in this edition by an introduction by Richard Pevear and a preface by John Bayley 'The new and brilliantly witty translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky is a must' - Lisa Appignanesi, Independent, Books of the Year 'Pevear and Volokhonsky are at once scrupulous translators and vivid stylists of English, and their superb rendering allows us, as perhaps never before, to grasp the palpability of Tolstoy's "characters, acts, situations"' - James Wood, New Yorker
Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy was a Russian novelist and philosopher, born on September 9, 1828. He is best known for his epic novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," which are considered masterpieces of realist fiction. Tolstoy's writing style is characterized by his detailed descriptions of everyday life and his exploration of moral and philosophical themes. He is credited with influencing the development of modern literature through his innovative narrative techniques and profound insights into human nature. Tolstoy's works have had a lasting impact on the literary world, inspiring generations of writers and thinkers. His most famous work, "War and Peace," is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written. Tolstoy died on November 20, 1910, leaving behind a legacy of literary brilliance and philosophical wisdom.