Description
Book SynopsisThe Russian Revolution had a decisive impact on the history of the twentieth century. In the years following the collapse of the Soviet regime and the opening of its archives, it has become possible to step back and see the full picture. Starting with an overview of the roots of the revolution, Fitzpatrick takes the story from 1917, through Stalin''s ''revolution from above'', to the great purges of the 1930s. She tells a gripping story of a Marxist revolution that was intended to transform the world, visited enormous suffering on the Russian people, and, like the French Revolution before it, ended up by devouring its own children. This updated edition contains a fully revised bibliography and updated introduction to address the centenary, what does it all mean in retrospect.
Trade ReviewReview from previous edition A lucid and indeed instantly classic explanation of the revolutionary spirit in its pre-1917 and Lenin-then-Stalin dominated stages * Tribune *
A welcome new edition of this classic history, a triumph of concision and incise analysis by a scholar who knows more than almost anyone about the early years of the Soviet system. * Orlando Figes, Birkbeck College, London, and author of A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution, 1891-1924 *
A succinct, insightful, and highly original interpretation of the Russian Revolution as a process of social transformation lasting from 1917 to 1937... Fitzpatrick gives us a challenging rethinking that will shape our discussions for years to come. * Ronald Suny, University of Michigan *
A beautiful little introduction to the topic. This is a fine work for introductory students, as well as for general readers looking for a window into the Russian enigma. * Robert V. Daniels, University of Vermont *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: The Setting 2: 1917: The Revolutions of February and October 3: The Civil War 4: NEP and the Future of the Revolution 5: Stalin's Revolution 6: Ending the Revolution Notes Select Bibliography Index
