Some critics hold that War and Peace (1867) is too disjointed to be considered a true literary masterpiece, but it is precisely its digressions into the philosophy of history that lift Tolstoys epic novel to the highest realms of contemplative discourse. Whereas sticklers for a straightforward narrative style may blame the side discussions about psychology and Providence for pulling readers out of the story, others laud these asides for adding layers of richness and meaning to Tolstoys tale of Napoleons invasion of Russia.
Economics Meets War and Peace
Tolstoys Implicit Social Theory
By H. Geoffrey Brennan, A.M.C. Waterman
This
article
appeared in
the Winter 2020/21 issue of The Independent Review.
Other Independent Review articles by H. Geoffrey Brennan | |
Winter 2013/14 | The Soul of James Buchanan? |
Other Independent Review articles by A.M.C. Waterman | |
Winter 2019/20 | The Evolution of Orthodoxy in Economics:From Adam Smith to Paul Samuelson |
Winter 2016/17 | Pope Francis on the Environmental Crisis |
Winter 2002/03 | Economics, Love, and Family Values:Nancy Folbre and Jennifer Roback Morse on the Invisible Heart |