‘Anna Karenina – The Annotated & Unabridged Maude Translation’ presents a rich exploration of love, infidelity, and societal constraints in 19th-century Russia. Tolstoy’s intricate narrative weaves together the lives of complex characters, notably Anna, whose passionate affair with Count Vronsky unfolds against the backdrop of a rigid social order. The Maude translation, celebrated for its fidelity to the original text, allows English-speaking readers to engage deeply with Tolstoy’s lyrical prose and philosophical insights. The annotations enrich the reading experience by providing historical context, clarifying cultural references, and elucidating the subtext of the characters’ motivations and moral dilemmas, thus illuminating the multifaceted themes of human emotion and existential crisis. Leo Tolstoy, a towering figure in world literature, penned ‘Anna Karenina’ amidst his own tumultuous personal experiences and a profound philosophical evolution. His introspection on the essence of happiness, morality, and the social fabric of his time informs the novel’s probing questions about love and fidelity. Tolstoy’s early personal conflicts, coupled with his interest in spirituality and social justice, lend depth to the character portrayals and moral inquiries that resonate throughout the narrative. This edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human condition through literature. Scholars and casual readers alike will benefit from the comprehensive annotations that guide them through Tolstoy’s intricate web of relationships and moral quandaries. ‘Anna Karenina’ not only stands as a seminal work of realism but also serves as a profound meditation on the complexities of love and society.