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What is the historical background of the novel "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy?
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The novel War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy was first published from 1865 to 1869. It is considered one of the greatest works of fiction ever written and deals with the Napoleonic wars and Russian society during the 19th century. It follows a few noble families and their eventual destinies during the course of the war. The novel presents fundamentally realist and humanistic themes, including death and family, tragedy and comedy, individualism and collectivism, and religion and faith. It is heavily steeped in the official culture, values, social hierarchy and history of the Russian Empire during that period.