Description
Book Synopsis"This fascinating volume is a major contribution to our understanding of the Russian Revolution, from World War I to consolidation of the Bolshevik regime. The seven myths include the exaggeration of Rasputin's influence; a purported conspiracy behind the February Revolution; the treasonous Bolshevik dependence on German support; the multiple Anastasia pretenders to the royal inheritance; the antisemitic claims about 'Judeo-Bolsheviks'; distortions about America’s intervention in the civil war; and the 'inevitability' of Bolshevism. In each case the authors analyze the facts, uncover the origins of the myth, and trace its later perseverance (even in contemporary Russia). To assist readers, the volume includes three reference guides (people, terms, dates), nine maps, and twenty-nine illustrations. The result is immensely valuable for undergraduate courses in Russian history."
—Gregory L. Freeze, Raymond Ginger Professor of History, Brandeis University
Trade Review"The authors' succinct discussions of historical events and evidence allow readers to contextualize and evaluate these myths. . . . The results are highly engaging and often very relevant to current events. The volume makes good use of historical source material to illustrate points and themes—this is particularly the case in the final chapter, which looks at varieties of revolutionary experiences by considering the lives of three people who were not famous political figures. These attributes make this a useful and usable text for a variety of courses on modern history. Moreover, it should appeal to general readers."
—Michael Hickey, Emeritus, Bloomsburg University
"Daly and Trofimov provide a service to us all in laying out concise, clear refutations of some of the most intractable myths about the Russian Revolution. I plan to have a copy on hand to lend to the next person who seems to find one or more of these myths convincing. The chapters provide a nice balance of background information and argumentation that will make them approachable and convincing for people who don’t know the topic very well."
—Eric Lohr, American University
