Set against some of the most momentous events in 19th century Europe, this epic novel examines the relationship between the individual and the relentless march of history. Here are the universal themes of love and hate, ambition and despair, youth and age, expressed with a swirling vitality which makes the story as accessible today as it was when it was first published in 1869. Nonetheless deals effectively with the intensely personal experiences of its characters. It features Tolstoy's most beautiful heroine, Natasha.

Read by Edward Petherbridge, an English actor born in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire. He has been a leading actor in the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre.