1942 Rare Book in Morocco Binding - War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Author: Leo Tolstoy. Title page illustrated by Warren Chappell. Endpaper maps by I. N. Steinberg.
Title: War and Peace.
Publisher: New York: Simon and Schuster, 1942. Inner Sanctum Edition. Designed by Tom Torre Bevans and Philip Van Doren Stern.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8.5 x 6 inches.
Pages: lxii-1361 pages. 
Binding: Attractive and near fine three-quarter black morocco leather binding over blue cloth boards, featuring thin gilt ruling, five raised bands, gilt spine titles (“WAR & PEACE” / “TOLSTOY”), and gilt floral ornaments (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.  Top edge gilt. Striking marbled endpapers in tones of red, blue, and green. A beautifully executed custom binding, solid, elegant, and well preserved.
Content: Near fine content (bright, tight and clean - as shown). 
Illustrations: Complete with title page illustrated by Warren Chappell. Maps by I. N. Steinberg. Additional full-page strategic maps (Campaign of 1805, Campaign of 1812, etc.) printed clearly and sharply.

Estimate: (USD 500-600)

The book: This finely bound 1942 Inner Sanctum Edition of War and Peace presents Tolstoy’s masterpiece in one of the most attractive mid-century English-language formats. Designed by Tom Torre Bevans and Philip Van Doren Stern, this edition pairs the authoritative translation of Louise and Aylmer Maude — personally approved by Tolstoy — with refined production values, decorative maps, and a dramatic illustrated title page by Warren Chappell. The result is a monumental, reader-friendly single-volume presentation of one of literature’s greatest achievements. Clean, solid, and beautifully bound, this example is ideally suited for collectors of classic literature in fine bindings.

The author: Count Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) is among the most influential writers in world literature. His works — particularly War and Peace and Anna Karenina — shaped the evolution of the realist novel and introduced profound philosophical explorations of morality, freedom, history, and human nature. Tolstoy’s influence extended far beyond fiction into education, pacifism, social reform, and spiritual thought.

The illustrator: Warren Chappell (1904–1991), American illustrator, designer, and typographer, was known for his dynamic, expressive line work and his ability to blend historical atmosphere with bold visual composition. His illustrated title page for this edition captures the scale and drama of the Napoleonic conflicts. The endpaper campaign maps by I. N. Steinberg complement the narrative with clear geographic context and are considered among the most attractive features of the Inner Sanctum design.