Count Rockyonsky here, hello me old muckers, chums and adoring public.
Long time no talk, it's been a busy summer sleeping here but am I looking forward to this one. I'm learning Russian and will be the furry figurehead on the troika for the year ...what's a troika?
Now I don't want to impose any rules about this prize draw but read on for slightly different and less random winner's criteria to the usual, so it would probably make sense that you are planning to join us on Team Tolstoy if you do decide to enter.
Five copies of the delectable (she told me to say that) new Oxford University Press hardback edition with ribbon, (always so easily pleased) of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy in the much-revered (I was made to say that as well) translation by Louise and Aylmer Maude with the following updates
- The Maudes' translation of Tolstoy's epic masterpiece has long been considered the best English version, and now for the first time it has been revised to bring it fully into line with modern approaches to the text. French passages are restored, Anglicization of Russian names removed, and outmoded expressions updated.
- A new introduction by Any Mandelker considers the novel's literary and historical context, the nature of the work and Tolstoy's artistic and philosophical aims.
- New, expanded notes provide historical background and identifications, as well as insight into Russian life and society.
- Includes lists of historical characters and the fictional families, a chronology of Tolstoy and of historical events in the novel, five maps, and Tolstoy's essay 'Some Words about War and Peace' in an Appendix.
Actually, what's not to love, she says she can't wait to get her hands on a copy and heaven help us says she'll be theming the sitting room along Russian lines to cope with it.
Names in comments and add a word or two to impress me about why you'd like to win a copy, even make it rhyme if you want, I'm a sucker for a good ode.
No rush it's Bank Holiday weekend, you all have a good compose and I'll pop in next week and will be choosing the winners without the help of Mrs Glosser or that psychic chap's new fangled number machine ... don't tell her I said this but you could always try me with some best Beluga. I'm ever so partial to a bit of sturgeon, which rhymes with surgeon and burgeon, so I'm helping you out there.
OUP have very kindly agreed to post worldwide and will send the copies out to winners as soon as they arrive, which will be very soon and before publication date.
Heck I am so good to you lot.
Update:: OK, the judges are now locked in the room and will emerge with the names of the winners very soon so comments have closed on this post.