War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace

Folio Society Limited Edition 1971 - Rare Example. Translated and with an introduction by Rosemary Edwards. Over 600 drawings by legendary Polish artist Feliks Topolski. Bound in full royal-blue naturally-grained hide with gilt tops and gilt titles to spine. Cloth-covered slipcase. 25.1x16.8cm. 708pp & 728pp. Back in 1971, 2000 copies were produced of this edition. Unnumbered.

The beauty of these volumes lies in the simplicity of design and high-production value. From the description of a set recently sold online by First and Fine: "Perhaps the most beautiful and affordable production of ‘War and Peace’ of recent decades. Folio Society reissued ‘War and Peace’ in 2006 as a numbered single volume limited edition. However, the single volume edition’s quality does not quite match the production quality of the two volume 1971 full leather production here on offer. The paper is much thicker as the novel is divided into two volumes, the boards and leather are thicker as well and have a softer feel. The endpapers are also thicker. Moreover, the beauty lies in the simplicity of the design echoing the 19th century when the novel was originally published in Russia. The 2006 design is a matter of personal taste of course. This ‘War and Peace’ edition was issued in 1971 at a price of GBP 22 which inflation adjusted corresponds to GBP 312 in today’s Sterling value. Our price takes into account the scarcity and condition."

Considering their age, the condition of these books is astounding. The beautiful leather has minimal scuffing, as hopefully seen in the many photos above. The gilt tops, as well as gilt lettering to spine are close to intact. Internally, both volumes are immaculate with no previous owner's inscriptions, no bookplates and no marginalia. Overall near-fine condition. The slipcase has slight shelf-wear and some light scratches to the bottom of the slipcase. Closer to near-fine than very good condition, especially considering age.