Oneupmanship Tutorial: War and Peace Division

I’ve had occasion to write about Not Reading Books before. As a public service I’ve also mentioned the importance of Oneupmanship. Today’s text, then, is the new and handsome translation of War and Peace. Clearly this is the kind of gift horse no self-respecting Lifeman looks in the mouth.

Needless to say it is not necessary to read the translation. Indeed, it is not strictly necessary to even possess a copy of the the book, though it must be admitted that casually leaving the book out on a sideboard or coffee table at home will intimidate any visitor, leaving you One Up and your guest One Down before you’ve so much as made reference to Tolstoy’s Greatest Work. No, all that is required is that the impression be given that not only are you immersed in this translation but that you are capable of comparing it to previous renderings of War ad Peace.