Is My Copy of War and Peace a First Edition? How to Identify
A true first edition of War and Peace is one of the most complex bibliographic objects in world literature. The novel was published in stages between 1865 and 1869, first serialized in The Russian Messenger and then issued in book form, with Tolstoy revising the text substantially between states. Understanding which version you have — and what constitutes a “first edition” — requires navigating Russian publishing history that most Western collectors are unfamiliar with.
The Publication History
Serial Publication (1865–1867)
War and Peace was first published serially in Russky Vestnik (The Russian Messenger), the leading Russian literary journal, beginning in 1865. The novel appeared under the title “1805” (Tysyacha vosemʹsot pyatyy god) and covered what would become the first portion of the final work.
These serial installments represent the first published appearance of the text, but they differ significantly from the completed novel. Tolstoy revised extensively between serial publication and book form.
First Book Edition (1868–1869)
The first book edition was published in six volumes by M.N. Katkov’s printing house (and later by P. Bartenyev’s press) in Moscow, 1868–1869. The title was changed from “1805” to “Voyna i mir” (War and Peace) for the book edition.
This six-volume book edition is generally considered the true first edition of War and Peace in its definitive form — though Tolstoy continued to revise for later editions (the 1873 edition represents his most substantial revision).
Key Points
- Language: Russian (Cyrillic text)
- Format: Six volumes, octavo
- Publisher: Moscow, various printing establishments associated with Katkov
- Dates: Volumes I and II (1868), Volumes III through VI (1869)
- Print run: Difficult to determine precisely, but likely 1,200–3,000 copies of the initial printing
What Is My Copy Worth?
Russian First Edition (1868–1869)
Genuine first edition copies of War and Peace in Russian are extraordinarily rare in the Western market. Most surviving copies are in Russian institutional collections (the Russian State Library, the Tolstoy Museum, etc.).
| Condition | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Complete six-volume set, original bindings | $100,000–$500,000+ |
| Incomplete sets or individual volumes | $10,000–$50,000 per volume |
| Rebound, condition issues | $5,000–$30,000 |
When copies do appear at Western auction houses (Christie’s, Sotheby’s), they attract intense institutional and private interest.
First Editions in English Translation
The first English translation is more likely what a Western collector might encounter:
| Translation | Year | Publisher | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| First English (Clara Bell translation) | 1886 | William S. Gottsberger (NY) | $3,000–$15,000 |
| First UK edition (Vizetelly & Co.) | 1886 | Vizetelly, London | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Constance Garnett translation | 1904 | Heinemann, London | $500–$2,000 |
| Louise and Aylmer Maude translation | 1922–1923 | Oxford University Press | $300–$1,000 |
The Garnett and Maude translations dominated English-language reading for most of the twentieth century. Modern translations by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky (2007) and Anthony Briggs (2005) have since challenged their dominance.
Common Confusions
”My copy says ‘First Edition’”
Many publishers have issued War and Peace with “First Edition” on the copyright page — this means it is the first edition of that publisher’s printing, not the first edition of the novel. A Modern Library “First Edition” or a Penguin “First Edition” has no significant market value beyond the retail price.
Pre-Revolution vs. Post-Revolution Russian Editions
Russian orthography was reformed in 1918. Pre-revolution printings use the old orthography (with the letters Ъ, Ѳ, and І that were eliminated in the reform). Any copy using the reformed orthography is from 1918 or later.
The 1873 Revised Edition
Tolstoy published a substantially revised edition in 1873, removing the French-language passages (which had appeared in the 1868–1869 first edition) and adding a philosophical epilogue. Some scholars prefer this text; others consider the 1868–1869 first edition more authentic. Both are important, but the 1868–1869 edition is the collectible first edition.
The Tolstoy Collecting Context
Tolstoy’s major works form one of the most prestigious collecting areas in world literature:
| Title | Year | Approximate Value (Russian 1st) |
|---|---|---|
| War and Peace | 1868–69 | $100,000–$500,000+ |
| Anna Karenina | 1878 | $50,000–$200,000 |
| The Death of Ivan Ilyich | 1886 | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Resurrection | 1899 | $5,000–$20,000 |
| The Kreutzer Sonata | 1889 | $3,000–$15,000 |
Collecting Russian literature in original-language first editions is a specialized field. Western collectors more commonly pursue first editions in English translation, which are more accessible both physically and financially.
Practical Authentication
For any copy believed to be a Russian first edition:
- Language verification — must be in Russian (Cyrillic), pre-reform orthography
- Publisher identification — Moscow, Katkov or associated printers
- Volume count — six volumes for the complete work
- Date confirmation — 1868–1869
- Provenance research — any ownership history is critical
- Expert consultation — specialists in Russian bibliography and Slavic studies at major auction houses or ABAA/ILAB members specializing in Russian literature
The investment in expert authentication is essential given the extreme values involved. Consult specialists at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, or dealers specializing in Russian antiquarian materials.