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A History of Russia
Widely acclaimed as the best one-volume survey text available, A History of Russia presents the whole span of Russia's history, from the origins of the Kievan state and the building of an empire, to Soviet Russia, the successor states, and beyond. Drawing on both primary sources and major interpretive works, this sixth edition updates its existing coverage of the social, economic, cultural, political and military events of Russia's past and includes a new chapter on the post-Gorbachev era as well as helpful updated bibliographies and reading source lists.
Examining contemporary issues such as the rise of Yeltsin, the nationalities question, and Russia's attempts to market capitalism, this sixth edition takes the study of Russia straight into the new millennium, continuing A History of Russia's nearly forty-year track record as the leader in the field.
Examining contemporary issues such as the rise of Yeltsin, the nationalities question, and Russia's attempts to market capitalism, this sixth edition takes the study of Russia straight into the new millennium, continuing A History of Russia's nearly forty-year track record as the leader in the field.
726 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1962
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October 12, 2016
RUSSIA
Russia. A complex and fascinating history, a rich culture with many a contradiction, influenced by a unique geography defined by a sweeping expanse of beautiful but challenging and sometimes harsh and unforgiving landscapes, a “nation” whose history can be characterized as heroic, brutal and tragic.
Russia. Straddling between Asia and Europe, but with strong ties to European culture and history, as repeatedly stressed in history by many Russian leaders like Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, but also by recent leaders such as Putin, who declared in 2000: “Russia is part of the European culture and I cannot imagine my country cut off from Europe”.
Russia, whose Tsarist flag (as also reflected, with modifications, in the current Russian presidential flag), represents symbolically the very essence of the Russian core: the double-headed eagle, used in the late Byzantine Empire as dynastic emblem of the Paloiologoi emperors, highlights the important cultural, religious and ideological connections of the emerging Russian state with the Eastern Roman Empire, but also symbolically represents the duality of the Russian soul and history, looking both eastward and westward at the same time.
Russia. A nation that has frequently received biased, flawed and ideologically-colored treatment by many commentators, especially by Western and particularly by US media during and after the Cold War. The country that imposed Communism to the countries of Eastern Europe with the brute force of arms, but also the country whose heroism and immense sacrifices during WWII (well over 24 million casualties, according to conservative estimates) contributed the most, by far, to the defeat of Nazi Germany. Stalingrad was the turning point of the whole war - and the average lifetime of a Russian soldier coming to Stalingrad front was 24 hours.
Russia. A country that saw the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, but also whose advancements in mathematics, science, and space exploration have been many and significant (a mural in Pripyat ghost town, Chernobyl, is displayed below):
This is a multi-faceted, elusive nation that is difficult to comprehend, with a very complex history whose result is a people with a culture still imbued with respect towards the Orthodox religious ideals, but a country that also originated the officially uncompromisingly atheist Soviet state; a nation with a deep respect for high culture, and that generated beautiful music (I find much of the production by Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky, and Borodin simply sublime) and amazing literature, but also a nation whose consumerism within the “New Russians” oligarchy has reached levels of crassness that beat even the worst examples in the Western World.
A country with beautiful architecture, with fairy-tale churches like the one at Kizhi Pogost (37 meters of indescribable beauty, 22 domes reaching out for the sky, built of wood and without using a single nail)
or the famous and strikingly beautiful St. Basil Cathedral in Moscow
and also with beautiful examples of Soviet architecture:
....but also, sadly, a country with too many examples of huge environmental impact deriving from a forced industrialization historically focused on the promotion of the heavy industry, and based on an economic model disregarding, until recently, the ecological impacts of development. The Aral sea disaster is a troubling example:
This amazing (and heart wrenching) 3-minute drone footage is really worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNV5S...
Russia is a nation with a history of suffering and incredible resilience (I wonder what other people on Earth would have been capable of demonstrating the resilience of the Leningrad population during the legendary siege of WWII), of incredible feats (whole industries and industry sectors created from nothing within a few years, the trans-Siberian railway), but also a nation plagued by alcoholism, corruption and criminality as freely admitted by the Russian leadership even very recently.
A country whose many contradictory, conflicting cultural and ideological streams saw immediately after the success of the Russian Revolution the emergence of a climate of experimentation in literary, social and artistic expression, and of liberation, notably in relation to mass education, social mobility and the improvement of the condition of women:
....and also the one that saw the extremely rapid, almost miraculous industrialization at great human cost, but that also witnessed the terrors, genocidal famine, indiscriminate purges and the personality cult of the Stalinist period:
A country still in transition, where according to recent polls the need for stability, order and strength of the state, as represented by a strong leader, are seen as paramount; a country where the “Western-style democratic forms” are seen with deep suspicion, but also where a curtailing of freedom of speech and of the press would be considered unacceptable by the majority of the population, and where democratic elections are considered necessary.
Ambivalence is probably a term that can describe the public views on many critical issues in relation to the future direction of Russia. An ambivalence also reflected in Putin's words: "anyone who does not regret the the collapse of the Soviet Union has no heart, but anyone who wants it restored has no brain".
I think that the following extract from the poem "To My Country" by the great 19th century Russian poet Lermontov captures some of the uniqueness and beauty of Russia:
...And yet I love it! Why, I cannot say;
The endless snowy Steppes so silent brooding,
In the pine forests Autumn winds pursuing--
The flood's high water on all sides in May.
By peasant cart I fain would haste in nightly darkness,
Through the lone wilderness and village desolate,
How hospitable shines the sole beam sparkling
To me from each poor hut! Filled with content so great,
The smell of stubble burnt, delights. Piled high
The wagons silent standing take their nightly rest,
On distant hills the silver birches I descry,
Framed gold by fertile fields the sacred picture blest.
Then with a joy unshared save by the vagrant,
I see the threshing floor well filled and fragrant,
The sloping straw-thatched cottage roofs again,
The window panels carved, of varied stain.
(Russian Winter by Vladimir Zhdanov) THE BOOK
Considering the often superficial, ill-informed, and ideologically biased portrait of Russia infesting many publications and commentaries, I approached the reading of this book with a bit of trepidation, and with very moderate expectations.
I was after a one-volume comprehensive overview, an university textbook that, in an academically appropriate way and in a nuanced and unbiased manner, would help me improve my knowledge of the fascinating Russian history, in particular of the Pre-Soviet period.
And I was very pleasantly surprised by the excellent quality of this book in terms of accuracy, lack of bias, respect for the variety of sources, academic rigour, and surprising amount of detail for a one-volume book with such an ambitious and challenging scope.
The lack of bias and intellectual honesty are remarkable: for example, while not hiding the many, significant structural issues plaguing the USSR economy, this book never falls into cheap anti-Soviet and/or anti-Russia propaganda, on the contrary highlighting areas where the Soviet Union did provide genuine improvements and good answers to people's needs and values.
I also particularly enjoyed the nuanced and rounded portraits of leaders such as Lenin, Brezhnev, and Putin (even with their important shortcomings, all intelligent and generally highly effective leaders (with the exclusion of the sunset years of the Brezhnev period), rather than the caricatures of some western propaganda.
In general, I did appreciate that statements and facts in this book are constantly qualified, and differing/conflicting scholarly opinions and approaches are frequently highlighted, even when they are visibly in contrast with the authors' own opinions. The historiographical debates about the major scholarly issues related to the main events of the Russian history are well and honestly presented (I particularly liked the discussion related to the multiple theories about the origins of the Kievan Rus). I also appreciated that the authors did not limit the book to purely political events, but that a praiseworthy effort has been made to also represent the more social, cultural and even psychological aspects.
For a textbook with such impeccable and impressive academic credential, this book is incredibly readable and thoroughly enjoyable - I can't even begin to comprehend why some reviewers have found this book a dry read.
It must also be said, though, that as this book is just an overview (even though it is a 700-page one), it will probably leave all readers who happen to have prior detailed knowledge of Russian history quite unsatisfied; but I must also highlight that I found it remarkable how much information the authors managed to pack into a single volume. There is an extensive list of reading material provided at the end of the text, the text is frequently supported by nice and relevant maps, and the sources are meticulously researched and recorded. The genealogical tree of the Russian rulers at the end of the book also helped me enormously (the version I read is the Eight Edition, published in 2010 by Oxford University Press).
The only issue is that this book should have probably given more weight and focus on the first periods of Russian history, rather than to the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, but I guess that this is a question of personal interests rather than an objective shortcoming of the book (and in any case there is only so much information you can pack into a single book with such a huge scope).
Overall it has been a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, a remarkable work, highly recommended to anybody who is interested in a good-quality overview of Russian history. A well-deserved 5 stars - this is historical writing at its best.
August 11, 2014
For an overview of Russian history, from Kievan Rus to the post-communist rule of Vladimir Putin, this book does a good job. It describes not only the usual progression of kings and wars, but goes into some detail regarding politics - both foreign and domestic - as well as trade, education-levels, social order, literature and the arts as they have shifted through the centuries.
On the other hand, this is a rather shallow look at Russian history, barely dipping its toes into the ocean of reasons behind changes, and spending even less time analysing the people involved. I am told in general terms WHAT they did, but very little time is spent on the reasoning and personalities. The only one who gets and real time spent on him is Peter the Great.
The book is also plagued by a good number of spelling mistakes and strange grammar, which occasionally makes the narrative difficult to follow. The authors have also made some strange choices regarding the spelling of Russian names, choosing to keep the original Russian spelling of some, while changing to a more Westernised style for others - and occasionally use two different spellings for a name, changing it between the narrative text and the text below the illustrations.
The book also has some problems with breezing past certain concepts, unloading unexplained Russian words and moving on wihout going into detail - while on other occasions being incredibly repetitive in explaining other terms. The overall feel is one of an inconsistent, but basically decent, read.
On the other hand, this is a rather shallow look at Russian history, barely dipping its toes into the ocean of reasons behind changes, and spending even less time analysing the people involved. I am told in general terms WHAT they did, but very little time is spent on the reasoning and personalities. The only one who gets and real time spent on him is Peter the Great.
The book is also plagued by a good number of spelling mistakes and strange grammar, which occasionally makes the narrative difficult to follow. The authors have also made some strange choices regarding the spelling of Russian names, choosing to keep the original Russian spelling of some, while changing to a more Westernised style for others - and occasionally use two different spellings for a name, changing it between the narrative text and the text below the illustrations.
The book also has some problems with breezing past certain concepts, unloading unexplained Russian words and moving on wihout going into detail - while on other occasions being incredibly repetitive in explaining other terms. The overall feel is one of an inconsistent, but basically decent, read.
January 12, 2018
Gran bel libro, veramente. All’inizio ero un po’ diffidente. Lo credevo una specie di manuale di scuola, ma leggendo mi sono reso conto del lavoro buonissimo fatto da Riasanovsky nel condensare in 600 pagine più di duemila anni di storia russa (dagli Sciti e Sarmati a Gorbačëv, per capirci). Una sintesi efficace che riesce a darci a tutto tondo gli aspetti storici e politici, non solo, ma anche quelli economici e culturali. Pagine interessantissime, seppur stringate, sulla letteratura russa dal Settecento al Novecento; sull’organizzazione feudale della società, dal XIV secolo fino all’abolizione della servitù in tutti i suoi risvolti economici, sociali, politico-rivoluzionari; la riforma agraria di Stolypin, la NEP di Lenin e i piani quinquennali di Iosif Vissarionovič. Per non parlare di Ivan il terribile, il principe Nevskij, i Tartari, il principato di Novgorod, etc. etc. Insomma, una bellissima presentazione della storia e della cultura russa, con spunti per ulteriori approfondimenti. Il lavoro di Riasanovsky si ferma al 1980, mentre un capitolo aggiunto scritto Sergio Romano ci traghetta fino al tracollo e alla dissoluzione dell’URSS. Completa il tutto una ricchissima bibliografia di ben venti pagine (tra le quali una stimolante bibliografia di studi sulla Russia pubblicati in italiano, anche se datata) più un enorme indice analitico di una sessantina di pagine. Insomma è talmente ricco e versatile che lo si può leggere o soltanto consultare al bisogno
August 11, 2024
I have previously reviewed this book after a DNF in the mid 19th century (in terms of book progress, not when I was reading it). That review has been preserved below.
I have had a lot of conflicting experiences with and thoughts on this book which have certainly been influenced by the edition I was reading and where I was at a given time. For this reason, I want to begin this by explaining my reading progression.
I began reading the third edition of this book (1978) in May of this year, and enjoyed it. It was certainly very dense and rather dull, but I wanted to learn the material. However, entering into the 19th century in particular was difficult; it all just felt like words on a page and I wasn't taking much in, so I DNFed. In early August of this year, though, I decided I wanted to read the rest of it. I got the sixth edition (2000) from the library and read from there until reaching Stalin's death. Then, I got the ninth (and most recent) edition (2019) from the library and finished the rest of the book. Of note is the fact that Steinberg took over writing this book from Riasanovsky (initially collaboratively, but Riasanovsky died in 2011).
My thoughts on this first phase of reading (aka my original review) is as follows:
{DNF :pensive:
This history is interesting. Parts of it are funny. It is, however, much more of a reference text than something to read straight through (hence the DNF). However, False Dmitri and the Little Felon will forever have a warm place in my heart}
On returning to the book, I was very much in the mood for reading more history (having just finished Chris Harman's A People's History of the World) and was particularly interested on the period of history I distinctly hadn't reached: the 20th century to the present. I also had little else enriching to do but read, so read for hours every day (and thus finished the rest of the book in four days).
There is a noticeable difference between the writing of Steinberg and that of Riasanovsky, and I definitely prefer Steinberg's for the purposes of reading the book cover to cover. Steinberg, too, introduced more information on the place of women and gender throughout the book and worked to aid the flow of Riasanovsky's writing which I greatly appreciated.
As I am writing this, I am still unsure of how to rate this book. I initially gave it two stars, but by the end was tempted to give it four. However, I think both of these our somewhat influenced by the particular spot in the book I had just read.
However, I will rate this book four stars. It is a magnificent textbook and presents information in the most judicious manner I have ever read. Parts of it were not the greatest experiences for a casual reading from cover to cover, but I believe that the later editions significantly ameliorate that experience. I am glad to have read this book and would recommend it to any interested in the subject :)
I have had a lot of conflicting experiences with and thoughts on this book which have certainly been influenced by the edition I was reading and where I was at a given time. For this reason, I want to begin this by explaining my reading progression.
I began reading the third edition of this book (1978) in May of this year, and enjoyed it. It was certainly very dense and rather dull, but I wanted to learn the material. However, entering into the 19th century in particular was difficult; it all just felt like words on a page and I wasn't taking much in, so I DNFed. In early August of this year, though, I decided I wanted to read the rest of it. I got the sixth edition (2000) from the library and read from there until reaching Stalin's death. Then, I got the ninth (and most recent) edition (2019) from the library and finished the rest of the book. Of note is the fact that Steinberg took over writing this book from Riasanovsky (initially collaboratively, but Riasanovsky died in 2011).
My thoughts on this first phase of reading (aka my original review) is as follows:
{DNF :pensive:
This history is interesting. Parts of it are funny. It is, however, much more of a reference text than something to read straight through (hence the DNF). However, False Dmitri and the Little Felon will forever have a warm place in my heart}
On returning to the book, I was very much in the mood for reading more history (having just finished Chris Harman's A People's History of the World) and was particularly interested on the period of history I distinctly hadn't reached: the 20th century to the present. I also had little else enriching to do but read, so read for hours every day (and thus finished the rest of the book in four days).
There is a noticeable difference between the writing of Steinberg and that of Riasanovsky, and I definitely prefer Steinberg's for the purposes of reading the book cover to cover. Steinberg, too, introduced more information on the place of women and gender throughout the book and worked to aid the flow of Riasanovsky's writing which I greatly appreciated.
As I am writing this, I am still unsure of how to rate this book. I initially gave it two stars, but by the end was tempted to give it four. However, I think both of these our somewhat influenced by the particular spot in the book I had just read.
However, I will rate this book four stars. It is a magnificent textbook and presents information in the most judicious manner I have ever read. Parts of it were not the greatest experiences for a casual reading from cover to cover, but I believe that the later editions significantly ameliorate that experience. I am glad to have read this book and would recommend it to any interested in the subject :)
November 8, 2017
Classic history of Russia by noted scholar
This classic survey of Russian history is an excellent overview of this sprawling cultural, military, and political power which has had such a major impact on the world over the last centuries. Written by one of the pre-eminent scholars in the field, it can serve as a textbook introducing students to major topics, a reference for those looking for summaries and overviews of key themes and developments, or simply an informative work for those wanting a decent introduction to the history of this fascinating and complex land.
This classic survey of Russian history is an excellent overview of this sprawling cultural, military, and political power which has had such a major impact on the world over the last centuries. Written by one of the pre-eminent scholars in the field, it can serve as a textbook introducing students to major topics, a reference for those looking for summaries and overviews of key themes and developments, or simply an informative work for those wanting a decent introduction to the history of this fascinating and complex land.
September 30, 2015
A good textbook with clear and simple prose, but very dry for the casual reader. X happens and then Y happens and professors Z1 and Z2 have such-and-so interpretations, but with almost no quotations from primary sources or detail to give color (and improve retention of the material).
Read
December 2, 2012This is probably the best history "textbook" I've ever read. This has gotten me through my Russian history course. Never underestimate the power of a good textbook, especially in the face of a poor lecturer..
June 27, 2017
This is a how a history book must be written. It is an account of Russia's transition from the early Ruirikid State in Kiev to the present. Without going into trivial details and never being verbose, the book surveys the political, economic, social, religious landscapes and other areas too. It gives you a taste of the average Russian's life and spirit through its history. It is exceptionally balanced. Wherever needed it gives a fair idea to the student, of the differing schools of thought addressing a question. Without being at the same time too neutral to be indifferent, it gives an understanding of the debates surrounding Russian historiography. Also newcomers to the subject don't find themselves lost as one sees Russia in its place in the panorama which means one always gets the crucial part of history: context.
I felt uncomfortable in the beginning owing to the unfamiliarity of this terrain. Thanks to Riasanovsky the terrain became more and more understandable. This however does not mean the unfamiliarity is shed. This is precisely why I am not prepared to write a critical review on this book. To me as a reader, it was a great experience. So from me - a big thumbs up.
I felt uncomfortable in the beginning owing to the unfamiliarity of this terrain. Thanks to Riasanovsky the terrain became more and more understandable. This however does not mean the unfamiliarity is shed. This is precisely why I am not prepared to write a critical review on this book. To me as a reader, it was a great experience. So from me - a big thumbs up.
April 1, 2014
Someone quiz me on Russian history, I dare you.
I'm ready. 800 large, small text and tiny margin-ed pages ready.
I'm ready. 800 large, small text and tiny margin-ed pages ready.
May 18, 2022
I read a much earlier addition as part of my studies on Russian history way back in my graduate student days (mid-1960s), and I returned to a recent edition a few weeks ago seeking to refresh my understanding particularly of the land and peoples we know as Russia and Russians because of the horror of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Although the lands of central and eastern Europe and western-most Eurasia have been populated since before recorded history, for my own purposes I was most interested in re-studying how the various peoples occupying today's Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, and western-most Russia mingled and interacted over the past 700 years.
Although I certainly do not support in any way Putin's actions in Ukraine -- these are all too reminiscent of what the Japanese did in Chinese Manchuria in the early '30s and what Hitler did in Germany and Czechoslovakia in the middle '30s -- such a review DOES support his belief that these peoples have a very long, convoluted, and often hostile history with each other. They all DO share important elements of their culture and history, and the territories of Ukraine (like the boundaries of every nation mentioned here, these changed often throughout the centuries) have long been contested between Russia to the north and east and both Poland and various Germanic states to the west and northwest.
While portions of today's Ukraine long struggled to assert their own cultural identity, it is undeniable that they (centuries ago called "White Russians") share much with the people of Russia proper (called "Great Russians" historically).
In fact, the beginning of the "Russian people" is traced to the formation of "Kieven Rus" about 1,000 years ago, and for a long time those who became "the Russians" occupied much of what is today Ukraine.
OK, that aside, the Ukraine is part of a broad section of east-central Europe known as "the borderlands" because they have been repeatedly contested for by greater powers to their west and east. Riasanovsky helpfully provides many maps that make this tug-and-pull clear, and many areas are repeatedly fought over and divided time and time again.
This book also makes clear how under the Russian Tsars two elements long predominated and, under Putin, have once again emerged as central to Russian behavior: the first is the imperial drive for territorial expansion, which led to today's immense Russian territory only within the past 300 years; and the second is the close alliance between the imperial state and the Orthodox Church, the "two pillars" of Russian society that once again serve the interests of Russia's rulers after having gone into some decline during the Soviet period.
I believe this great work of scholarship -- so factual, objective, and informative throughout -- is one of those rare creations: something of interest to BOTH scholars and the more general reader. It is organized in such a way that readers less interested some of the details of the periods under study -- say, for instance, an incisive account of how elements of the economy changed under Peter the Great -- can easily move on to sections within the chapters that discuss topics of perhaps greater interest.
It is very clear that for most of its history, the vast majority of the Russian people have struggled to overcome poverty, climate-induced hardships, vast distances, and in some areas nearly incessant warfare in order to build a modern, safe, and functioning society. It is also clear that for most of their country's existence, even when they have been fortunate to have such "enlightened" rulers as Peter the Great, authority was so concentrated at the top that the average Russian, peasant or no, served others rather than him or herself.
It is truly unfortunate that during the years immediately following the dissolution of the Soviet Union the United States and other Western states did not devote more efforts to build the kinds of democratic infrastructure that, IF successfully planted, might have eventually contributed to the birth of a more democratic society.
Unfortunately, as we can see only too clearly under Putin, the reality is that imperial Russia is, for all practical purposes, back!
Although the lands of central and eastern Europe and western-most Eurasia have been populated since before recorded history, for my own purposes I was most interested in re-studying how the various peoples occupying today's Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, and western-most Russia mingled and interacted over the past 700 years.
Although I certainly do not support in any way Putin's actions in Ukraine -- these are all too reminiscent of what the Japanese did in Chinese Manchuria in the early '30s and what Hitler did in Germany and Czechoslovakia in the middle '30s -- such a review DOES support his belief that these peoples have a very long, convoluted, and often hostile history with each other. They all DO share important elements of their culture and history, and the territories of Ukraine (like the boundaries of every nation mentioned here, these changed often throughout the centuries) have long been contested between Russia to the north and east and both Poland and various Germanic states to the west and northwest.
While portions of today's Ukraine long struggled to assert their own cultural identity, it is undeniable that they (centuries ago called "White Russians") share much with the people of Russia proper (called "Great Russians" historically).
In fact, the beginning of the "Russian people" is traced to the formation of "Kieven Rus" about 1,000 years ago, and for a long time those who became "the Russians" occupied much of what is today Ukraine.
OK, that aside, the Ukraine is part of a broad section of east-central Europe known as "the borderlands" because they have been repeatedly contested for by greater powers to their west and east. Riasanovsky helpfully provides many maps that make this tug-and-pull clear, and many areas are repeatedly fought over and divided time and time again.
This book also makes clear how under the Russian Tsars two elements long predominated and, under Putin, have once again emerged as central to Russian behavior: the first is the imperial drive for territorial expansion, which led to today's immense Russian territory only within the past 300 years; and the second is the close alliance between the imperial state and the Orthodox Church, the "two pillars" of Russian society that once again serve the interests of Russia's rulers after having gone into some decline during the Soviet period.
I believe this great work of scholarship -- so factual, objective, and informative throughout -- is one of those rare creations: something of interest to BOTH scholars and the more general reader. It is organized in such a way that readers less interested some of the details of the periods under study -- say, for instance, an incisive account of how elements of the economy changed under Peter the Great -- can easily move on to sections within the chapters that discuss topics of perhaps greater interest.
It is very clear that for most of its history, the vast majority of the Russian people have struggled to overcome poverty, climate-induced hardships, vast distances, and in some areas nearly incessant warfare in order to build a modern, safe, and functioning society. It is also clear that for most of their country's existence, even when they have been fortunate to have such "enlightened" rulers as Peter the Great, authority was so concentrated at the top that the average Russian, peasant or no, served others rather than him or herself.
It is truly unfortunate that during the years immediately following the dissolution of the Soviet Union the United States and other Western states did not devote more efforts to build the kinds of democratic infrastructure that, IF successfully planted, might have eventually contributed to the birth of a more democratic society.
Unfortunately, as we can see only too clearly under Putin, the reality is that imperial Russia is, for all practical purposes, back!
May 26, 2025
Too much focused on individuals.
The first few chapters (before good historical sources are available) gave a good overview of Russia's early history. But after that, the book is structured around the reigns of the various kings, and everything is seen through the lense of their personalities. Except the various sections on "culture", "society", "arts and architecture" and so on for each era; but those are too disconnected from the main historical narrative, and also very much focused on individual personalities (constantly name-dropping famous "brilliant" authors and artists, presumably because they "must " be part of any history of Russia).
Ultimately, I did get a good overview of Russia's history until 1855, but I could have gotten there by skipping 80% of this book (and I did indeed skip a lot in the second half).
--
Volume 2, read three years later:
Still very uneven, but I enjoyed this volume more.
The period until WWI is, like the first volume, centered entirely around the personalities that ruled at any given time. But it is written as a kind of prelude to the revolution, so it has a clearer historical thread the reader can hang on to.
The 1905 revolution itself is fairly well explained. But this part of the book as a whole is terrible! The entire experience of Russia during World War 1 until the revolutions of 1917 are described in ONE PARAGRAPH! I'm not joking! Five sentences! I don't know much about Russia's WW1 experience, but I'm pretty sure it was extremely important to Russians and their history! To add insult to injury, this period's art, architecture, literature etc. etc. is covered in extensive detail with name droppings of all kinds of "famous" people. None of this is ever picked up again anywhere in the books, so almost all of it seems pointless to include. Whereas almost everything in the rest of the book hinges entirely on the outcome of the war! I just can't get past this. It seems like such an obviously terrible choice.
The explanation of the 1917 revolutions are OK, but the overall situation of Russia, and all the territories that Lenin decided to attack and annex, is confusing. As is exactly what kind of power the Bolsheviks actually had at any point in time.
The rest is mostly a pleasure to read. NEP, Stalin, WW2 (also dedicated too little space, but not nearly as atrociously so as WW1), post-Stalin, 1989, Yeltsin and Putin. This part of Russian history really made sense to me, and I'm pretty sure I'll remember the outlines. The detail does get a little overdone as we get closer to modern times, but this history book is better in that regard than most.
The first few chapters (before good historical sources are available) gave a good overview of Russia's early history. But after that, the book is structured around the reigns of the various kings, and everything is seen through the lense of their personalities. Except the various sections on "culture", "society", "arts and architecture" and so on for each era; but those are too disconnected from the main historical narrative, and also very much focused on individual personalities (constantly name-dropping famous "brilliant" authors and artists, presumably because they "must " be part of any history of Russia).
Ultimately, I did get a good overview of Russia's history until 1855, but I could have gotten there by skipping 80% of this book (and I did indeed skip a lot in the second half).
--
Volume 2, read three years later:
Still very uneven, but I enjoyed this volume more.
The period until WWI is, like the first volume, centered entirely around the personalities that ruled at any given time. But it is written as a kind of prelude to the revolution, so it has a clearer historical thread the reader can hang on to.
The 1905 revolution itself is fairly well explained. But this part of the book as a whole is terrible! The entire experience of Russia during World War 1 until the revolutions of 1917 are described in ONE PARAGRAPH! I'm not joking! Five sentences! I don't know much about Russia's WW1 experience, but I'm pretty sure it was extremely important to Russians and their history! To add insult to injury, this period's art, architecture, literature etc. etc. is covered in extensive detail with name droppings of all kinds of "famous" people. None of this is ever picked up again anywhere in the books, so almost all of it seems pointless to include. Whereas almost everything in the rest of the book hinges entirely on the outcome of the war! I just can't get past this. It seems like such an obviously terrible choice.
The explanation of the 1917 revolutions are OK, but the overall situation of Russia, and all the territories that Lenin decided to attack and annex, is confusing. As is exactly what kind of power the Bolsheviks actually had at any point in time.
The rest is mostly a pleasure to read. NEP, Stalin, WW2 (also dedicated too little space, but not nearly as atrociously so as WW1), post-Stalin, 1989, Yeltsin and Putin. This part of Russian history really made sense to me, and I'm pretty sure I'll remember the outlines. The detail does get a little overdone as we get closer to modern times, but this history book is better in that regard than most.
June 12, 2016
With all the recent activity in Ukraine and Crimea,the history of Russia deserves another opportunity to be read it again. Russia's history no doubt indeed is very complicated and uncertain. The author explains multiple theories with the origins of the Kievan Rus. The author explores each period of time with different categories as: literature, architecture,education and political organization. The version I read was the 4th which ends in 1976. The book narrative is easy and difficult in some parts,but the author explains every major aspect in detail.
Want to read
November 18, 2015Reading this for university.
May 13, 2020
Meh. Fine up until the 20th century, then some BS capitalist propaganda thrown in there/not accurate information about Stalin.
January 27, 2021
I read an earlier edition of this in college for a year-long Russian History class. When I saw this in the bookstore, I realized that I didn't remember a whole lot from the class. So, I have read it again, and since it is an updated version, it discusses more recent history. It was a good overview.
I particularly liked the sections on literature and culture in each of the eras. My TBR for Russia has expanded dramatically.
I particularly liked the sections on literature and culture in each of the eras. My TBR for Russia has expanded dramatically.
July 10, 2023
整体的叙事脉络比较清晰。虽然在结构上，它稍有些教科书那种惯常的古板，但时不时也确有精彩的评析。
当此刻的俄乌战争的硝烟散尽后，本书的下一版本对于普京时代的俄罗斯的评价必然要进行一番重大的改写了。然而，凭借着后见之明，在这一版的结尾处，许多事情似乎已经显露出了某些征兆：“2005年后的民意测验发现，对民主和公民自由的依恋让位于更强调经济繁荣与公共秩序……（俄罗斯）年轻人……的反应是‘既不振奋也不挫败，既不高兴也不悲哀，既不鼓舞也不沮丧，既不创新也不反叛’……他们梦想的不是共产主义的‘光明未来’……而是‘过得好，过得舒服。’”
那如果借用富兰克林的名言并稍加改动，那么我们这会儿大概也可以回答说：那些愿意放弃民主和自由去换取繁荣和秩序的人，既不会得到繁荣，也不会得到秩序。毕竟，如果没有一个能够想象的光明未来，那么“过得好”和“过得舒服”到头来也不过只是一种风雨飘零、稍纵即逝的幻觉罢了。
对此，可能很少有人会比我们这些和书中的俄国人互为镜像的中国人知道得更清楚的了。即便我们本该知道得更清楚一些。
当此刻的俄乌战争的硝烟散尽后，本书的下一版本对于普京时代的俄罗斯的评价必然要进行一番重大的改写了。然而，凭借着后见之明，在这一版的结尾处，许多事情似乎已经显露出了某些征兆：“2005年后的民意测验发现，对民主和公民自由的依恋让位于更强调经济繁荣与公共秩序……（俄罗斯）年轻人……的反应是‘既不振奋也不挫败，既不高兴也不悲哀，既不鼓舞也不沮丧，既不创新也不反叛’……他们梦想的不是共产主义的‘光明未来’……而是‘过得好，过得舒服。’”
那如果借用富兰克林的名言并稍加改动，那么我们这会儿大概也可以回答说：那些愿意放弃民主和自由去换取繁荣和秩序的人，既不会得到繁荣，也不会得到秩序。毕竟，如果没有一个能够想象的光明未来，那么“过得好”和“过得舒服”到头来也不过只是一种风雨飘零、稍纵即逝的幻觉罢了。
对此，可能很少有人会比我们这些和书中的俄国人互为镜像的中国人知道得更清楚的了。即便我们本该知道得更清楚一些。
October 21, 2022
Gave good insight into the complete history of Russia from the start to current. Material kept the reader entertained, would recommend this text of Russian history over "A Traveler's History of Russia" At times it was dragging on however or just reiterating what was already either implied or stated. Overall informational and accurate, would recommend it to anyone curious about Russian history. The structure of the book makes it easier to also pick a section of history you want to learn about.
September 10, 2025
şu kitabı putin okumamıştır
August 29, 2025
Excellent and comprehensive book of Russia from before they were Russians – when they were non-Slavic people in an area that only became Russia in the nineteenth century. Raisanovsky covers a eight and one-half million square mile portion of the world over centuries. This book outlines how this largely brutal land controlled by usually poor leaders and getting into constant wars on all ends of their large land became captured by communists and a ruthless dictator. Despite some reforms, the country leaders did not improve the lot of the vast majority of the population – peasants.
The author starts the long journey of over 600 pages with the creation of the Kievan State; a part of the history Russian historians do not even include. The term Russian come from the Rus tribe who were part of Russia then but little of their culture stayed in the land. Even today, there is controversy of the involvement of the Normas and Scandinavians to this wide land. It was not until nearly 1000 when they had success and stability, creating a language, economic development and some power. They built an economy based on trade based on their largely agricultural society that also added wealth by raising cattle, mining metal and extracting salt. Prince Iaroslav (aka Iaroslav the Wise) had the most success, ruling from 1019 until his passing in 1054. He is known for producing laws, furthering education, fine architecture, and art. He granted his sons princedoms. Unfortunately, the son who took over control led the nation into constant civil wars and suffered losses to Turkic invaders. The entire empire was lost in 1240 when Mongols conquered the area.
Weaved into this book is the impact of religion on Russia and areas that were overtaken and in the country. Way back to the Kievan Russians time, the people converted from paganism to Christianity in a painless manner. The church secured large amounts of land and provided services to the ill, education and controlled literature and the arts. St. Cyril invented the older Glagolitic alphabet, adding to their language ongoing. Unfortunately, their churches were wood structures that did not survive due to fires. The author points out that Christianity in Russia originated not from Rome but from Byzantium. It helped to isolate Russia from Europe that they did not have the religious connection.
As the Russian state was taking hold, there was massive population movements between Russians, White Russians, Belorussians, and Ukrainians while Lithuanian and Polish states were also changing. Mongolia played an oversized influence compared to that of this country today; they directed their warfare to people that had internal conflict. Jenghiz Khan is probably the most widely known Mongol ruler with a focus on expanding his empire; he even overcame the Great Wall of China. The Mongols knew how to wage war with expertise spying, better equipment, willingness to engage in terrorism, and a focus on expansion. When they surprised the Russians on the attack on the town of Riazan in 1237, they massacred the entire population. They expanded to Poland and Hungry. Once they overtook a country, they made few changes to people’s everyday life. They controlled Russia from 1240 until 1380.
The rise of modern Russia was due to location, the inward movement of immigrants, and the use of their river. People hunted, fished, raised cattle, and farmed. Others were fine carpenters, engaged in tannery, weaving, and working in metal. Moscow became the center. By 1475, Ivan III brought Italian architects and engineers to work to build the Kremlin and churches. This is one of the many times when Russia opened to the west and had western influence on their country.
Ivan IV was the first Muscovite rulers to be appointed Czar. He was the first of many tyrant leaders who caused much suffering of the majority of their citizens, the peasants. Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Paul I, and Nicholas I were all horrible leaders who caused much damage during the mid-1500’s and early 1600’s. No one was safe from future purges, even servants and family members were indiscriminately murdered. The turn of the century brought in the Times of Troubles from 1598 until 1613, combined with drought, famine and epidemics. The country had problems with successorships, leaders were murdered, and the country was often waging wars with neighbors. At one point, Russia realized four Czars in just over a year. Autocracy still survived all these horrible issues. The reign of Michael (1613-1645) stabilized the country and normalized relations with neighbors, but the country was still in financial straits.
In the latter portion of the 1600’s and ended with the communist revolution that set the economic and freedom of the country back to this day. While Peter the Great created a governing senate to spread power and decision making, provided municipal government more authority (while also taxing them more for the central government), established colleges, strengthened church schools, introduced his citizens to their first newspaper, and other reforms, the pressure of the nation’s wars lost the focus of reform – and also produced major losses to the population. The war focusses vastly decreased his western reforms and might have left him with less citizens after his reign.
Catherine the Great followed – and provided many interesting adventures. She is someone I would like to read more about in the future. She tried to bring the country closer to Western approaches and did succeed to start the Supreme Secret Council to deal with major issues confronting the nation. She was a ruthless and vane leader with both energy and an iron will that did not serve her – or her people – well. She traveled the country more than any other leader but also stressed their country by engaging in many wars. She did usher in more – and better – literature, museums, and public theaters. She also was engaged in many romances and lovers.
The 1800’s brought more expansion and movement to Western culture under Alexander I. It was surprising to read that Russia even expanded into northern California (Fort Ross was built in 1812) after settlements in what is now Alaska was started. There was infighting that led to the rise of Alexander’s brother, Nicholas I. Like we will see later, Russia instituted the political police, travel restrictions, and censorship to hold power. It seems he knew that many of his actions were not best for the country but best to maintain control, especially serfdom. He called it “evil” but worried that eliminating it would bring unrest.
Population was increasingly steadily through the and. part of the 1800’s – from 36 million at the turn of the century to 67 million by the half century mark. Freedoms also started to come to the people of Russia, with emancipation coming to them in 1861. Under Alexander II, he released those serving without compensation, spun the judiciary branch out to their own independence, reorganized military service, and modernized local government. He also provided freedom and autonomy to Poland. But, while conditions improved, the change was also providing the basis of the later revolution. There were successful strikes in St. Petersburg in 1878 and the following year and in Moscow in 1885. Stephen Khalturin helped to organize workers in the capitol. Strikes expanded to other cities and to Poland and Ukraine. World War I brought a halt to strikes but they started to take place afterwards. Conditions were improving through worker actions, reforms, and better conditions with industrialization. Expectations also increased. There was a revolution in 1905 but the movement to industrialization continued after a brief pause.
The story of the 1917 revolution and beyond has been well covered and it’s something I read a lot about from other books. Riasanovsky still provided some new perspectives and interesting information I have missed in other books. He did a good job covering the Provisional Government that lasted about eight months. There was true reform – liberty, freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and allowing unions – and strikes – to be possible. Living conditions were still tough and the government did not recognize it to it’s citizens. The take over by the communist was swift with Lennin pulling the strings from Finland. The struggle to consolidate power took years and mistakes were made from the other side that could have resulted in a very different Russia. Lennin continued to maintain power until he died of a stroke in May 1922.
Things changed dramatically when Stalin took power. He increasingly ruled by terror exercised by his secret police. He seized land, closed down churches, and church sponsored schools. Foreign trade was controlled by the Soviet government. Nearby groups broke away into their own governments and states once again – Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine.
The book reviews the promises – and realities of Communist Russia, especially their five- no power due to the complexity of the body, the large size and the brevity of their sessions, normally a week or less. Political police operated outside the law, giving more power to their supreme leader. Russia became a world power at the conclusion of the second world war since they had troops – and therefore a hold – on most eastern European countries except Turkey and Greece. The author mentions that the fact that Finland remained free was puzzling.
A big part of this book discusses the weaving of western culture to the Moscow residents. There were constant movements to bring in more western culture, just to have the country pull back their western movement. Moscow was very different than the west. The book mentions how visitors from the west during the mid-1500’s were surprised by the rich costumes, especially the furs, the beards, the elaborate banquets, and the language. The cultural accomplishments far trailed the west. The government was slow to pick up ideas from the west, starting the postal service in 1664 and moving to western clothes later that century.
Riasanovsky’s book on Russia is also a lesson on the countries that touch this massive landmass, especially Poland and Lithuanian. Wars and peace agreements, expansion and even total elimination of Poland took place repeatedly through the years. It was interesting to read about Poland from the Russian perspective rather than the two serious books I read on Poland over the years. At one point, due to the Union of Lublin, Poland and Lithuania was bound together. Other times, Poland seized Kiev, Volynia and other southern areas of the Lithuanian population in 1569. The Treaty of Andrusovo in 1667 prevented Poland from being threatened entirely by Moscow and Swedin.
This book also continued to raise the complex relationship between Russia and the Ukraine, an issue so relevant today. Muscovite control of Ukraine in 1654 became even more complex with the church in Ukraine siding with the Pope but maintaining their own ritual after 1596. The Orthodox Bishops in Poland favored the union while many of the Orthodox did not support it. There was a constant push and pull between Poland and Moscow.
It is no wonder why Russia has been largely an underdeveloped country despite some attempts to engage in reform. Consider this: Since the mid 1500’s, Russia has engaged in war with Siberia, Poland-Lithuania, the Ottoman Empire, Livonia, Poland a number of times, Sweden repeatedly, Ukraine repeatedly, Persia, France, Spain, Japan, Turkey, Finland, plus World Wars I and II, civil wars, the government of Eastern European countries after WWII, Afghanistan, and the most recent wars. All these wars cost Russia population, missed production, considerable funds, loss of focus, and missed opportunities of trade and commerce.
The book ends before the recent reforms and then movement to a more stringent dictatorship, but the author noted boldly that the existing “Soviet system is not likely to last, not likely to change fundamentally by evolution, and not likely to be overthrown by a revolution.”
The author starts the long journey of over 600 pages with the creation of the Kievan State; a part of the history Russian historians do not even include. The term Russian come from the Rus tribe who were part of Russia then but little of their culture stayed in the land. Even today, there is controversy of the involvement of the Normas and Scandinavians to this wide land. It was not until nearly 1000 when they had success and stability, creating a language, economic development and some power. They built an economy based on trade based on their largely agricultural society that also added wealth by raising cattle, mining metal and extracting salt. Prince Iaroslav (aka Iaroslav the Wise) had the most success, ruling from 1019 until his passing in 1054. He is known for producing laws, furthering education, fine architecture, and art. He granted his sons princedoms. Unfortunately, the son who took over control led the nation into constant civil wars and suffered losses to Turkic invaders. The entire empire was lost in 1240 when Mongols conquered the area.
Weaved into this book is the impact of religion on Russia and areas that were overtaken and in the country. Way back to the Kievan Russians time, the people converted from paganism to Christianity in a painless manner. The church secured large amounts of land and provided services to the ill, education and controlled literature and the arts. St. Cyril invented the older Glagolitic alphabet, adding to their language ongoing. Unfortunately, their churches were wood structures that did not survive due to fires. The author points out that Christianity in Russia originated not from Rome but from Byzantium. It helped to isolate Russia from Europe that they did not have the religious connection.
As the Russian state was taking hold, there was massive population movements between Russians, White Russians, Belorussians, and Ukrainians while Lithuanian and Polish states were also changing. Mongolia played an oversized influence compared to that of this country today; they directed their warfare to people that had internal conflict. Jenghiz Khan is probably the most widely known Mongol ruler with a focus on expanding his empire; he even overcame the Great Wall of China. The Mongols knew how to wage war with expertise spying, better equipment, willingness to engage in terrorism, and a focus on expansion. When they surprised the Russians on the attack on the town of Riazan in 1237, they massacred the entire population. They expanded to Poland and Hungry. Once they overtook a country, they made few changes to people’s everyday life. They controlled Russia from 1240 until 1380.
The rise of modern Russia was due to location, the inward movement of immigrants, and the use of their river. People hunted, fished, raised cattle, and farmed. Others were fine carpenters, engaged in tannery, weaving, and working in metal. Moscow became the center. By 1475, Ivan III brought Italian architects and engineers to work to build the Kremlin and churches. This is one of the many times when Russia opened to the west and had western influence on their country.
Ivan IV was the first Muscovite rulers to be appointed Czar. He was the first of many tyrant leaders who caused much suffering of the majority of their citizens, the peasants. Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Paul I, and Nicholas I were all horrible leaders who caused much damage during the mid-1500’s and early 1600’s. No one was safe from future purges, even servants and family members were indiscriminately murdered. The turn of the century brought in the Times of Troubles from 1598 until 1613, combined with drought, famine and epidemics. The country had problems with successorships, leaders were murdered, and the country was often waging wars with neighbors. At one point, Russia realized four Czars in just over a year. Autocracy still survived all these horrible issues. The reign of Michael (1613-1645) stabilized the country and normalized relations with neighbors, but the country was still in financial straits.
In the latter portion of the 1600’s and ended with the communist revolution that set the economic and freedom of the country back to this day. While Peter the Great created a governing senate to spread power and decision making, provided municipal government more authority (while also taxing them more for the central government), established colleges, strengthened church schools, introduced his citizens to their first newspaper, and other reforms, the pressure of the nation’s wars lost the focus of reform – and also produced major losses to the population. The war focusses vastly decreased his western reforms and might have left him with less citizens after his reign.
Catherine the Great followed – and provided many interesting adventures. She is someone I would like to read more about in the future. She tried to bring the country closer to Western approaches and did succeed to start the Supreme Secret Council to deal with major issues confronting the nation. She was a ruthless and vane leader with both energy and an iron will that did not serve her – or her people – well. She traveled the country more than any other leader but also stressed their country by engaging in many wars. She did usher in more – and better – literature, museums, and public theaters. She also was engaged in many romances and lovers.
The 1800’s brought more expansion and movement to Western culture under Alexander I. It was surprising to read that Russia even expanded into northern California (Fort Ross was built in 1812) after settlements in what is now Alaska was started. There was infighting that led to the rise of Alexander’s brother, Nicholas I. Like we will see later, Russia instituted the political police, travel restrictions, and censorship to hold power. It seems he knew that many of his actions were not best for the country but best to maintain control, especially serfdom. He called it “evil” but worried that eliminating it would bring unrest.
Population was increasingly steadily through the and. part of the 1800’s – from 36 million at the turn of the century to 67 million by the half century mark. Freedoms also started to come to the people of Russia, with emancipation coming to them in 1861. Under Alexander II, he released those serving without compensation, spun the judiciary branch out to their own independence, reorganized military service, and modernized local government. He also provided freedom and autonomy to Poland. But, while conditions improved, the change was also providing the basis of the later revolution. There were successful strikes in St. Petersburg in 1878 and the following year and in Moscow in 1885. Stephen Khalturin helped to organize workers in the capitol. Strikes expanded to other cities and to Poland and Ukraine. World War I brought a halt to strikes but they started to take place afterwards. Conditions were improving through worker actions, reforms, and better conditions with industrialization. Expectations also increased. There was a revolution in 1905 but the movement to industrialization continued after a brief pause.
The story of the 1917 revolution and beyond has been well covered and it’s something I read a lot about from other books. Riasanovsky still provided some new perspectives and interesting information I have missed in other books. He did a good job covering the Provisional Government that lasted about eight months. There was true reform – liberty, freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and allowing unions – and strikes – to be possible. Living conditions were still tough and the government did not recognize it to it’s citizens. The take over by the communist was swift with Lennin pulling the strings from Finland. The struggle to consolidate power took years and mistakes were made from the other side that could have resulted in a very different Russia. Lennin continued to maintain power until he died of a stroke in May 1922.
Things changed dramatically when Stalin took power. He increasingly ruled by terror exercised by his secret police. He seized land, closed down churches, and church sponsored schools. Foreign trade was controlled by the Soviet government. Nearby groups broke away into their own governments and states once again – Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine.
The book reviews the promises – and realities of Communist Russia, especially their five- no power due to the complexity of the body, the large size and the brevity of their sessions, normally a week or less. Political police operated outside the law, giving more power to their supreme leader. Russia became a world power at the conclusion of the second world war since they had troops – and therefore a hold – on most eastern European countries except Turkey and Greece. The author mentions that the fact that Finland remained free was puzzling.
A big part of this book discusses the weaving of western culture to the Moscow residents. There were constant movements to bring in more western culture, just to have the country pull back their western movement. Moscow was very different than the west. The book mentions how visitors from the west during the mid-1500’s were surprised by the rich costumes, especially the furs, the beards, the elaborate banquets, and the language. The cultural accomplishments far trailed the west. The government was slow to pick up ideas from the west, starting the postal service in 1664 and moving to western clothes later that century.
Riasanovsky’s book on Russia is also a lesson on the countries that touch this massive landmass, especially Poland and Lithuanian. Wars and peace agreements, expansion and even total elimination of Poland took place repeatedly through the years. It was interesting to read about Poland from the Russian perspective rather than the two serious books I read on Poland over the years. At one point, due to the Union of Lublin, Poland and Lithuania was bound together. Other times, Poland seized Kiev, Volynia and other southern areas of the Lithuanian population in 1569. The Treaty of Andrusovo in 1667 prevented Poland from being threatened entirely by Moscow and Swedin.
This book also continued to raise the complex relationship between Russia and the Ukraine, an issue so relevant today. Muscovite control of Ukraine in 1654 became even more complex with the church in Ukraine siding with the Pope but maintaining their own ritual after 1596. The Orthodox Bishops in Poland favored the union while many of the Orthodox did not support it. There was a constant push and pull between Poland and Moscow.
It is no wonder why Russia has been largely an underdeveloped country despite some attempts to engage in reform. Consider this: Since the mid 1500’s, Russia has engaged in war with Siberia, Poland-Lithuania, the Ottoman Empire, Livonia, Poland a number of times, Sweden repeatedly, Ukraine repeatedly, Persia, France, Spain, Japan, Turkey, Finland, plus World Wars I and II, civil wars, the government of Eastern European countries after WWII, Afghanistan, and the most recent wars. All these wars cost Russia population, missed production, considerable funds, loss of focus, and missed opportunities of trade and commerce.
The book ends before the recent reforms and then movement to a more stringent dictatorship, but the author noted boldly that the existing “Soviet system is not likely to last, not likely to change fundamentally by evolution, and not likely to be overthrown by a revolution.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2023
Highly readable and well organized
March 6, 2016
Although German history was my primary focus in Graduate School, I would be hard-pressed to come up with as comprehensive and useful a history of that country, from its misty past in prehistory to the conflagrations of the Twentieth Century and the comparable stability since, as this book is for Russia. Unlike many of the books I read in school, I frequently turn to this one to clarify a fact or refresh my memory of the general picture of Russia at a given point in its history. When I did use it for school, it was among the best sourcebooks I was assigned, and I think I actually kept up with the reading assignments, aided no doubt by the accessible and interesting style of the writing.
It’s probably impossible to write about the history of Russia without taking sides on certain issues, but Riasanovsky attempts to acquaint the student with the historiographical scope of each issue he introduces. He is skeptical, for example, of the popular theory that Vikings colonized much of Russia via its extensive river system and were responsible for building the civilization eventually called “Kievan Rus,” (which some nationalists today claim for Ukraine) but he does give this narrative as complete an explanation as possible. He is clearly no fan of Stalin, and gives complete coverage of the oppressive and extremist nature of that regime, but he also points out that Russia might not have survived World War Two without him. While highly critical of the USSR, he never gives in to anti-Soviet propaganda, often discovering areas in which the Soviet Union did advance or give its people what it wanted.
My edition of the book ends with Yeltsin, the once-popular but now seen as weak leader who ushered in the democratic experiment as well as the rise of a new class of plutocrats. Watching Russian history since then, as Putin has consolidated power and allowed a new elite to crystallize from the robber barons, I have often been grateful for the context provided by this book and the courses I took with it. No doubt Russia will again surprise the West with its development in the future, but this book will continue to be a useful way to understand that trajectory, for anyone from a beginning student to a specialist.
It’s probably impossible to write about the history of Russia without taking sides on certain issues, but Riasanovsky attempts to acquaint the student with the historiographical scope of each issue he introduces. He is skeptical, for example, of the popular theory that Vikings colonized much of Russia via its extensive river system and were responsible for building the civilization eventually called “Kievan Rus,” (which some nationalists today claim for Ukraine) but he does give this narrative as complete an explanation as possible. He is clearly no fan of Stalin, and gives complete coverage of the oppressive and extremist nature of that regime, but he also points out that Russia might not have survived World War Two without him. While highly critical of the USSR, he never gives in to anti-Soviet propaganda, often discovering areas in which the Soviet Union did advance or give its people what it wanted.
My edition of the book ends with Yeltsin, the once-popular but now seen as weak leader who ushered in the democratic experiment as well as the rise of a new class of plutocrats. Watching Russian history since then, as Putin has consolidated power and allowed a new elite to crystallize from the robber barons, I have often been grateful for the context provided by this book and the courses I took with it. No doubt Russia will again surprise the West with its development in the future, but this book will continue to be a useful way to understand that trajectory, for anyone from a beginning student to a specialist.
April 5, 2014
Clear and presented in a manner which I didn't think was terribly dry(warning: I'm nerdy about history), I found this to be everything I wanted in an initial foray into Russian history. Riasanovsky does not force his opinions on the reader, nor does he make any unfounded claims. Quite matter-of-fact and balanced with alternate theories presented where appropriate and sources meticulously recorded. Further, there is an extensive list of reading material provided at the end of the text for those who wish to get into more detail on a given period than was allowed for in this volume.
Is it perfect? No. Can one book adequately cover a topic this immense? No. Still, I feel it was an excellent read and extremely informative. A gentleman scholar was kind enough to give insight and a helpful list here: http://waltrichmond.blogspot.com/2013... . This gentleman certainly knows more than I ever shall about a great many things, Russia among them.
Is it perfect? No. Can one book adequately cover a topic this immense? No. Still, I feel it was an excellent read and extremely informative. A gentleman scholar was kind enough to give insight and a helpful list here: http://waltrichmond.blogspot.com/2013... . This gentleman certainly knows more than I ever shall about a great many things, Russia among them.
October 4, 2015
This is an academic textbook that covers the history of Rus/Russia to approximately 2010. Its covers both classic history but also culture of each time period. The authors are well read and sometimes appear to be unable to strongly favor any point of view. It is less straightforward than Russia and Russians which is a more one opinion work. I enjoyed learning a lot. The only flaw/disappointment was how they dealt with Stalin or rather did not deal with him. From reading this text one would not get the impression of who or what Stalin was.
All and all a good read for anyone wanting an english text that deals with Russian and particularly good are the insights into culture in different time periods.
All and all a good read for anyone wanting an english text that deals with Russian and particularly good are the insights into culture in different time periods.
July 8, 2014
A critical history text of the Russian people. Interestingly objective during the Cold War period. I used this text for a college course at Grove City College. It influenced my appreciation of other cultures.
April 10, 2023
This is the latest edition of what is perhaps the best single volume History of Russia available. I would highly recommend this work for anyone beginning to study the subject - as the first book to read.
August 12, 2024
An exemplary overview of Russian history. One of those rare history books that is both comprehensive yet engrossing, moving through 1100 years of history at a satisfying pace. This is a helpful reference for anyone looking to dive into any era of Russian history, with hundreds of cited sources at the end and plenty of references to relevant scholars covering different economic, political, social, and religious topics.
The author does a good job of intertwining the essential themes of Russian history in a nonspeculative and informed way, namely the divergence between the peasant and ruling classes, the Western vs. Slavic schools of thought, prevailing authoritarianism, and the push and pull of revolution and counterrevolution over time (to name just a few). While this book is dense and academic, it does read more like a narrative than a standard history textbook. Also, the fact that the fifth edition ends at the fall of the Soviet Union is crazy.
Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in Russian history.
"The river of time, in rushing onward,
Will bear away all the deeds of men,
And drown in oblivion’s abyss
Peoples, kingdoms, and kings.
And even if something should remain
Through the power of the lyre and the trumpet,
It too will be swallowed by the maw of eternity
And will not escape the universal doom." - Gavrila Derzhavin
The author does a good job of intertwining the essential themes of Russian history in a nonspeculative and informed way, namely the divergence between the peasant and ruling classes, the Western vs. Slavic schools of thought, prevailing authoritarianism, and the push and pull of revolution and counterrevolution over time (to name just a few). While this book is dense and academic, it does read more like a narrative than a standard history textbook. Also, the fact that the fifth edition ends at the fall of the Soviet Union is crazy.
Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in Russian history.
"The river of time, in rushing onward,
Will bear away all the deeds of men,
And drown in oblivion’s abyss
Peoples, kingdoms, and kings.
And even if something should remain
Through the power of the lyre and the trumpet,
It too will be swallowed by the maw of eternity
And will not escape the universal doom." - Gavrila Derzhavin
February 6, 2020
Very comprehensive view of Russian history. A good balance of brevity and detail. This would be a good resource for someone studying something Russian history adjacent like literature. There has been a particular emphasis on rewriting Russia history and this book is not a good resource for untangling the real history from the propaganda. The end of WW1, Russian atrocities in ww2, the Cuban missile crisis are not adequately addressed here.
The book is very well written, crisp, decisive, and it avoids confusing rabbit holes. If you are planning a trip to Russia, keep looking - - you will want a book with enough depth so you can see Putin revisionism when you encounter it.
The book is very well written, crisp, decisive, and it avoids confusing rabbit holes. If you are planning a trip to Russia, keep looking - - you will want a book with enough depth so you can see Putin revisionism when you encounter it.
November 27, 2023
Chi decide di affrontare questo scritto, composto da più di 700 pagine scritte con un piccolo carattere, deve avere un grande interesse altrimenti non riuscirà ad arrivare alla fine. La narrazione è semplice e scorrevole ma rimane sempre un testo storico pieno di tante nozioni e fatti. Se si vuole leggere bene, per ricordare forse non va letto tutto in una volta ma diluito nel tempo. Alla fine comunque avete per le mani un testo che racconta tutta la storia della Russia dalla sua nascita fino alla caduta del muro di Berlino. Un ottimo testo per comprendere il popolo e certe dinamiche storico culturali della Russia.
December 2, 2022
At long last, I have finished this monolith. By far, the best comprehensive book on Russia I've ever read. There are tons of maps and photos to illustrate points. There is analysis at the end of the chapters in the first half talking about various expert opinions and contrasting them.
Though, like most Russian history books in the West, this does use the word "backwards" many times which though it may be accurate, plays into the myth and difference of Russia from the rest. Overall, highly recommend and I'm thrilled to own a personal copy.
Though, like most Russian history books in the West, this does use the word "backwards" many times which though it may be accurate, plays into the myth and difference of Russia from the rest. Overall, highly recommend and I'm thrilled to own a personal copy.
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