Louise Maude, an English translator of Leo Tolstoy's works, lived for many years in Russia. As a close friend of the Tolstoy family, she received express authorization in 1902 to write his biography. After relocating to England, she dedicated herself to translating and promoting awareness of Tolstoy's writings. Her efforts significantly contributed to the understanding of his literary legacy in the English-speaking world.
Tolstoy's beguiling masterpiece entwines love, death and determinism with Russia's war with Napoleon and its effects on those swept up by the terror it brings. The lives of Pierre, Prince Andrei and Natasha are changed forever as conflict rages throughout the early 19th century.
"Anna Karenina" is perhaps the greatest novel of all time. It tells the story of Anna, married to the dull, cold Karenin in 19th century St. Petersburg, Russia. She falls in love with a handsome young soldier, Vronsky. At first Anna is happy, but the story ends in despair, and death. -- from p. 4 of cover.