6 volumes, small 8vo. Original decorated cloth stamped in black and gilt (each volume recased, preserving original brown coated endpapers, vol.2 text block dampstained, small dampstain to vol.4 at foot of text block near spine), morocco-backed folding case. Provenance: F. Greeley, Winnetka (ownership signature on front free endpaper in vol.3).

FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH of one of the monumental works of Russian literature. Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel follows the intertwined lives of several Russian aristocratic families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, blending intimate domestic drama with sweeping historical narrative. The work first appeared in Russia between 1865 and 1869, initially serialized in The Russian Messenger before being issued in book form in 1869. The novel later inspired the celebrated 1956 film adaptation directed by King Vidor and starring Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Mel Ferrer.