The Programmed Classics was a book club series published by Doubleday Book & Music Clubs, Inc. from the late 1940âs through the late 1980âs.
Generally, the books followed the 8-1/2âł x 5-3/4âł book size format. The binding designs were adapted based on old âGolden Age of Bookmakingâ bindings, and made to look like leather-bound copies (leatherette). The bindings were embossed with 24K gold embellishments, and some copies had gilt edges (thin layer of gold leaf) applied. A sewn in satin ribbon marker was also added in most books. There were over 400 editions published in a variety of bindings. Some editions came with loose-leaf inserts that described the book club, the bindings and design styles, and a story synopsis of the book-in-hand.
Descrip
ABOUT THE BOOK: War and Peace broadly focuses on Napoleonâs invasion of Russia in 1812 and follows three of the most well-known characters in literature: Pierre Bezukhov, the illegitimate son of a count who is fighting for his inheritance and yearning for spiritual fulfillment; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, who leaves his family behind to fight in the war against Napoleon; and Natasha Rostov, the beautiful young daughter of a nobleman who intrigues both men.A s Napoleonâs army invades, Tolstoy brilliantly follows characters from diverse backgroundsâpeasants and nobility, civilians and soldiersâas they struggle with the problems unique to their era, their history, and their culture. And as the novel progresses, these characters transcend their specificity, becoming some of the most movingâand humanâfigures in world literature.
