Description
Book SynopsisAn introduction to the history, culture, and politics of the worlds largest country, from the earliest written accounts of the Russian people to today.
Trade Review“For the reader who desires to take a first dip into Russian history and culture but is overwhelmed by the vast amount of work available,
The Russia Reader is the ideal starting point.” - Viktoria Ivanyutina,
The Moscow Times“If you purchase just one non-fiction book on Russia this year, make it this one. An eclectic, rich compendium of readings that covers a very broad swath of Russian history and culture. . . . Surely to be a popular choice for college survey courses on Russian history, this volume offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone with an interest in things Russian. And it does not require systematic reading, front to back. In fact, it rewards the serendipitous reader: no matter where you dip into it, you are sure to be enthralled.” - Paul E. Richardson,
Russian Life“The Russia surveyed here is one that reveals the complex layers of history that have accumulated over time and the voices that Barker and Grant marshal in telling Russia’s history are engaging and innovative ones. . . .
The Russia Reader should interest any . . . traveler looking for a rich introduction into the history, culture, and politics of Russia.” - Stephen M. Norris,
Anthropology of East Europe Review“
The Russia Reader is excellent. It is a tremendous introduction for the newcomer to Russian history and culture, and even the well-versed reader should find fascinating new material amongst the rich variety collected here.” - Mary Bailes,
Scotland-Russia Review“This volume represents, in the truest sense of the phrase, a Herculean effort…In compiling an eclectic mixture of stand-alone articles and excerpts from existing and newly commissioned translations…, Adele Barker and Bruce Grant seek to provide a one-stop source for students and travelers. For the most part, they have succeeded admirably.” - Kathleen Parthé,
Slavic and East European Journal“
The Russia Reader provides a wonderful overview of Russian life and culture across the centuries, from the emergence of Muscovy and Russian Orthodoxy to the present day. The editors have done a remarkable job in selecting a range of texts that offer a sweeping overview of the complexity and passion of Russian life, and their brief introductions helpfully situate the texts. Whether readers follow the fate of Russia chronologically or use the book as a kaleidoscope to explore different facets of Russian life and culture, they will find a treasure trove of beautiful, dramatic, and tragic readings for exploring Russian history and culture across the ages.”—Peter Holquist, University of Pennsylvania
“Adele Barker and Bruce Grant have selected a fascinating group of writings reflecting Russian reality, past and present, most by Russians themselves. The selections make absorbing reading and convey insights that penetrate the veil of mystery that has so long obscured the ‘Russian soul.’”—
Jack F. Matlock Jr., United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union, 1987–1991
“
The Russia Reader is excellent. It is a tremendous introduction for the newcomer to Russian history and culture, and even the well-versed reader should find fascinating new material amongst the rich variety collected here.” -- Mary Bailes * Scotland-Russia Review *
“For the reader who desires to take a first dip into Russian history and culture but is overwhelmed by the vast amount of work available,
The Russia Reader is the ideal starting point.” -- Viktoria Ivanyutina * Moscow Times *
“If you purchase just one non-fiction book on Russia this year, make it this one. An eclectic, rich compendium of readings that covers a very broad swath of Russian history and culture. . . . Surely to be a popular choice for college survey courses on Russian history, this volume offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone with an interest in things Russian. And it does not require systematic reading, front to back. In fact, it rewards the serendipitous reader: no matter where you dip into it, you are sure to be enthralled.” -- Paul E. Richardson * Russian Life *
“The Russia surveyed here is one that reveals the complex layers of history that have accumulated over time and the voices that Barker and Grant marshal in telling Russia’s history are engaging and innovative ones. . . .
The Russia Reader should interest any . . . traveler looking for a rich introduction into the history, culture, and politics of Russia.” -- Stephen M. Norris * Anthropology of East Europe Review *
“This volume represents, in the truest sense of the phrase, a Herculean effort…In compiling an eclectic mixture of stand-alone articles and excerpts from existing and newly commissioned translations…, Adele Barker and Bruce Grant seek to provide a one-stop source for students and travelers. For the most part, they have succeeded admirably.” -- Kathleen Parthé * Slavic and East European Journal *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments xi
General Introduction 1
I. Icons and Archetypes 13
II. From Kyiv through Moscovy 61
III. Reform to Revolution 97
IV. Far Pavilions: Siberia 151
V. A Changing Countryside 201
VI. Near Pavilions: The Caucasus 257
VII. Revolution 305
VIII. Building a New World from Old 351
IX. Rising Stalinism 401
X. The Great Terror 447
XI. The War Years 493
XII. the Thaw 537
XIII. Russians Abroad, Near and Far 573
XIV. Life under Advanced Socialism 615
XV. Things Fall Apart 667
XVI. Building a New World, Again 701
Acknowledgment of Copyrights and Sources 743
Suggestions for Further Reader 753
Index 765
