History of Freemasonry in Russia
Freemasonry in Russia started in the 18th century and has continued to the present day. Russian Freemasonry pursue humanistic and educational purposes, but more attention is given to ethical issues. It was a spiritual community of people united in an effort to contribute to the prosperity of the Motherland and the enlightenment of the people living in it.
Menshikov Tower where the Masonic circle of Johann Georg Schwarz held its meetings
Semyon Gamaleya (1743-1822), a Freemason, was the first to translate into Russian the major works of Jakob Böhme.
War and Peace is a literary work by Russian author Leo Tolstoy. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the work mixes fictional narrative with chapters discussing history and philosophy. An early version was published serially beginning in 1865, after which the entire book was rewritten and published in 1869. It is regarded, with Anna Karenina, as Tolstoy's finest literary achievement and remains an internationally praised classic of world literature.
Front page of War and Peace sixth volume, first edition, 1869 (Russian)
The only known color photograph of the author, Leo Tolstoy, taken at his Yasnaya Polyana estate in 1908 (age 79) by Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky.
Tolstoy's notes from the ninth draft of War and Peace, 1864.
Cover of War and Peace, Italian translation, 1899.
