The novel "War and Peace" was written by the acclaimed Russian author Leo Tolstoy. First published in 1869, the book is a sweeping epic that interweaves the lives of several families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Tolstoy explores themes of love, duty, and the human condition while presenting readers with a comprehensive view of Russian society during this tumultuous period. "War and Peace" is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels in world literature, celebrated for its character development, philosophical insights, and historical depth.