x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

A chapter by chapter guide to Tolstoy's War & Peace. These are Summaries/Cliffnotes on a podcast, hence Podnotes. It is best used as a supplement to your reading of the classic.The episodes and descriptions will provide information, context and commentary on each chapter -- and will likely take a lifetime to complete. The goal is for each episode to come in under 10 minutes. The original work fluctuates between French and Russian and there are multiple English translations of War &

history spirituality

All Episodes

10:26

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 19: little napolean

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2026/03/08

Andrei lies moaning from a head wound on the Pratzen Heights, symbolic of the numerous souls dead or wounded. The depiction of Andrei chasing military glory but falling short, was influenced by how Kutuzov historically lost his son-in-law, Theodor von Tiesenhausen, at Austerlitz. Kutuzov sent the young noble, who served as an aide-de-camp, to rally retreating troops. After Tiesenhausen seized a fallen standard and ran forward, he was quickly shot in the chest. Frenchmen swarmed him and there

en-US

9:54

Aleksei Nikitin: In the Spirit of Tolstoy

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2026/03/03

This project is approaching the final chapter of Book I, a critical juncture with Napoleon victorious and holding the greatest reputation man can bestow. Even after Napoleon suffered a string of defeats years later, his reputation was colossal when Tolstoy wrote War &Peace. Many readers coming to this book do not realize Napoleon is something of a dark force utilized to portray how to view those who send others to die for a ruler's vain ambitions. In this regard, it is important to recall

en-US

8:59

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 18(B): Breaking the Ice

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2026/02/15

This pivotal short section depicts one of the iconic episodes of Austerlitz, namely retreating Russian forces falling through ice amidst an artillery barrage.French General Adolphe Marbot provided a contemporary report on this phenomenon and Czar Alexander appears to have relayed to his inner circle, years later in 1814, that he watched helplessly as thousands of his men perish in the frozen waters. A large number is realistic given accepted casualty figures. Estimates of allied losses indicate

en-US

8:54

Czar Alexandr: A Background

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2026/02/08

This episode explores the background of the Czar reduced to tears after the Battle of Austerlitz. Many readers know little of the ruler Nicholas Rostov and countless officers were so devoted to.Over the last few years, you may have watched Ridley Scott’s film “Napoleon.” I argue that the casting of Alexandr embraces a view of the filmmaker that aligns with the perception the fictional Nicholas held. Edouard Philipponnat as Alexandr was the standout in the film and embraced a youthful exuberance

en-US

7:16

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 18(A): Alexandr Among the Ash Heap

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2026/02/01

Nicholas continues on his mission looking for Kutuzov or the Emperor. He notices broken carriages along the roads and hordes of troops in worsening levels of disorganization. Many are wounded. He reaches an area safe from cannon fire coming from the Pratzen Heights and slows to realize that there is no point to what he is doing. He has nothing of import to convey to the Tsar or to Kutuzov, should they remain alive. He learns the direction surviving commanders headed and hears conflicting reports

en-US

6:17

Bonus: For Whom Would You Sacrifice?

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2026/01/23

Tolstoy hardly ends the novel with the revelation imparted to Andrei. Instead, it continues for another 1000 pages, in substantial part, exploring the triviality so paramount to those without such vision. The story moves back to earth to focus on the historic disgrace for Alexandr and Francis. It is entirely the opposite for Napoleon, who came out on top of The Battle of Three Emperors. Yet the bravado with which men enter a fight for those like Bonaparte, has lost some of the luster.So many of us

en-US

9:52

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 17: Decimation of Uvaróv's Calvary

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2026/01/11

Tolstoy brings you back from Andrei’s spiritual revelation to focus on Nicholas Rostov, who is imbued with the Confidence of Youth. General Bagratión had assented to Rostov’s request to be brought off the reserve line and selected him for a fool’s errand – as Bagratión is presented as understanding the futility of the attack.This is in contrast to Prince Dolgorúkov, part of Alexandr’s inner circle, who felt victory was ordained. Dolgorúkov holds much of the blame for this debacle as reports

en-US

10:27

Bk. 1, Pt. 3., Ch. 16: Oh, Chapter of Chapters!

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/12/11

This paramount chapter involves Tolstoy using Andrei to grasp the transcendence of the Almighty God which the author revered. More particularly, when Andrei takes in the vastness of the sky, Tolstoy conveys the vulgarity of this earth compared with His infinite nature. Further, Tolstoy lays bare the senselessness of war for most of the men shooting and hacking each other. There will be a depiction of opposing soldiers in a tug-of-war over the most insignificant object – a broomstick, highlighting

en-US

8:48

Second Epilogue: Ch. 7: Only The Almighty Stands Alone

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/11/25

Tolstoy affirms that only the will of the Deity, who is not dependent on time, can make sense of any monumental event or series of events. Tolstoy acknowledges his belief in an omnipotent God, who determines the Way. This majestic being is something we can never come close to understanding. Even the most renowned, like Napoleon, cannot veer humanity in the direction they intend. This is because man acts in his limited time and sphere. Thus, historians who attribute grand events to so-called “Great

en-US

7:33

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 15: Advance! Advance to Ignominy!

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/11/15

At 8 a.m. Kutuzov rode towards Pratzen Village. He took command of a regiment he came across and led it into the Village. The other columns were advancing towards a massive valley, where the battle was picking up. Andrei, who was among Kutuzov’s suite, was in a state of constrained excitement. He was convinced this day would be his Toulon, the battle that made Napoleon. Andrei’s motivation to be hero of this world was at an apex. He would give his life, his family, even his soul, to be admired

en-US

7:02

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 14: Target Pratzen

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/10/27

The doomed advance commenced around 5 a.m., when still quite dark. The idea was for General Bagration’s left flank to initiate the attack on the French right flank and drive the enemy into the mountains. Officers were hurriedly drinking tea and eating a decent breakfast while buttoning their coats and buckling their swords. Battalion and regimental commanders, along with their adjuncts, mounted their horses and gave final instructions. Austrian guides were now moving among the troops

en-US

8:14

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 13: Vive l’Empereur!

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/09/21

In the early morning hours of December 2nd, 1805, Rostov was patrolling the skirmishing line near Bagration’s detachment. Behind him he could see his army’s campfires glowing. In front the French were covered by misty darkness. Rostov was exhausted. His eyes would close and his fancy appeared—now the Emperor, then Denísov or whirling Moscow memories. His hussar companion occasionally alerted him to steer his horse out of bushes. He was disappointed his unit was not advancing and wanted to ask for

en-US

5:24

Bonus: Look Up Beyond the Vanity

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/09/01

In a few chapters, you will read one of the triumphs in literature, borrowed from the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament.Tolstoy will have the fictional Andrei recognize the Vanity of our world. On the battlefield, Andrei is placed in a posture that makes him attuned to absorbing the nature of war & peace; and much more.In preparation for this moment, I ask you to take a tiny step toward developing the ability to see behind the vanity & vexation of our existence. If inclined, read the

en-US

9:49

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 12: Vainglorious Aspirations

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/08/28

The night before the Battle, General Weyrother, who coordinated the advance, traveled to Kutuzov’s quarters in a castle near Austerlitz for a council of war. Kutuzov was a reluctant and relegated host. Weyrother is presented as full of vigor while Kutuzov was morose, with his uniform unbuttoned and nearly asleep in a chair. Weyrother was familiar with the terrain but was unable to competently explain the nature of this Moravian land. He spoke in front of an enormous map and went through the

en-US

9:54

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 11: Gen. Savary Perceives...

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/08/05

This chapter continues to examine the precipice of Austerlitz, where misguided confidence continues to build. Yet we can observe cracks in that veneer, namely relating to how Tolstoy portrays the Czar. As the Emperor occupied Wischau, his French physician was summoned. While Alexander was initially excited by the movement of the troops, calvary charges, and clashes, he became ill upon observing casualties and the reality of war. Ten days prior, while in Olmütz, French General

en-US

14:37

Bonus: Tolstoy Fused His Own Vice Into W&P

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/07/17

On the precipice of the Battle of Austerlitz, Tolstoy illustrates the bravado and immaturity of youth.Here, I explore how Tolstoy incorporates elements of his own vice from his younger days, including pride and ambition. Both his early and late material speak to this, most notably personal journals from his time at university as well as the spiritual work, My Confession, written in 1879, when in his early 50s. The latter was an attempt to grapple with eternal questions such as: What am I doing?, and

en-US

9:46

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 10: A Toast to the Czar

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/07/06

Three days after the review and a near 40 mile march south, Denisov’s squadron was assigned to be a reserve unit in the early stages of the monumental Battle of Austerlitz. Rostov was in something of a depression, as he wasted the inner struggle it took to conquer his apprehension. While idle, he observed squadrons of Cossacks, hussars, infantry and artillery pass. Around 9 a.m., he heard firing and shouts. Later, a handful of French prisoners were brought back. A successful small affair

en-US

8:55

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 9: The Most Remarkable of Men

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/06/10

The day after the review, Boris rides to Olmütz to build on his burgeoning relationship with Andrei, with the goal of obtaining a position of adjutant. He reflected, “It is all well for Rostov, whose father sends him 20,000 rubles at a time, to NOT wish to be anyone’s lackey, but I who have little but my brains, must not miss any opportunity!” Olmütz was transformed into the headquarters where the Emperors resided. When Boris inquired of Andrei, he was shunned by officials who grew tired of the

en-US

9:30

Bonus: Calvary Maiden II, Durova's Formative Years

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/05/28

This second episode on the Calvary Maiden takes you through some of the formative years of the author, Nadezhda Durova. Durova wrote briefly of her years growing up then focused on her time dressing as a man and serving for 10 years as a low-level officer in the Czar’s army, starting around 1806.Her journals were source material for Tolstoy as to the lives of those who served in the period War & Peace is set, 1805-1812. It is presented to give you a glimpse into those frequently nameless and

en-US

6:52

Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 8: Old Fashioned Emperor Worship

War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide ·

2025/05/22

Tolstoy addresses the over-confidence of Napoleon’s adversaries prior to the battle of Austerlitz, when Kutuzov’s forces and the Austrians reached their limit of no further retreat, winding up near Olmütz. Here, Emperors Alexandr & Francis would review their troops that numbered around 80,000 (both seasoned and reinforcements) before a 40-mile march south to fight the French, who had around 50,000 soldiers near Brünn. Napoleon’s supply lines were extended after traveling so far into the Holy

en-US

96 results

Similar Podcasts

The Old Front Line

Paul Reed

Today In History with The Retrospectors

The Retrospectors

جنود خلدهم التاريخ

ALSUMOOD PODCAST

Film History - Daily

Inception Point Ai

Madonna - Biography Flash

Inception Point Ai