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Rusia: Mituri și realități
O lectură fascinantă pentru cei care doresc să afle mai multe despre trecutul Rusiei și să deceleze adevărul de legendă
„Rusia este o țară cu un viitor sigur; doar trecutul ei este imprevizibil”, spune un faimos proverb sovietic, făcând referire la mitologia care însoțește ascensiunea și declinul uneia dintre cele mai mari puteri din lume. În acest volum, autorul urmărește cele mai importante evenimente istorice care au dus la apariția și dezvoltarea Rusiei, începând cu varegii veniți din Scandinavia, cu crearea Rusiei Kievene, adoptarea ortodoxiei ca religie, luptele contra mongolilor, luptele interne în spațiul rusesc, creșterea și descreșterea unor orașe, până la supremația Moscovei și a Moscoviei. Rusia ajunge să fie o mare putere după ce își supune, pe rând, vecinii prin modernizare, tenacitate și o forță militară copleșitoare. Timp de peste un mileniu, această națiune cu granițele în continuă schimbare a fost cunoscută, succesiv, sub numele de Marele Cnezat al Moscovei, Imperiul Rus și Uniunea Sovietică, reinventându-se apoi ca Federația Rusă. Fiecare nume are conotații politice și istorice care stârnesc, în prezent, controverse aprinse printre cercetători, politicieni, jurnaliști și oamenii de rând.
Precum alte popoare, și rușii își rescriu constant istoria, omițând eșecurile răsunătoare și evocând marile victorii și evenimente patriotice.
Rodric Braithwaite, fost ambasador britanic în Rusia și excelent cunoscător al acestui spațiu, separă miturile de realitate, pentru a revela cititorului adevărul.
„Rusia este o țară cu un viitor sigur; doar trecutul ei este imprevizibil”, spune un faimos proverb sovietic, făcând referire la mitologia care însoțește ascensiunea și declinul uneia dintre cele mai mari puteri din lume. În acest volum, autorul urmărește cele mai importante evenimente istorice care au dus la apariția și dezvoltarea Rusiei, începând cu varegii veniți din Scandinavia, cu crearea Rusiei Kievene, adoptarea ortodoxiei ca religie, luptele contra mongolilor, luptele interne în spațiul rusesc, creșterea și descreșterea unor orașe, până la supremația Moscovei și a Moscoviei. Rusia ajunge să fie o mare putere după ce își supune, pe rând, vecinii prin modernizare, tenacitate și o forță militară copleșitoare. Timp de peste un mileniu, această națiune cu granițele în continuă schimbare a fost cunoscută, succesiv, sub numele de Marele Cnezat al Moscovei, Imperiul Rus și Uniunea Sovietică, reinventându-se apoi ca Federația Rusă. Fiecare nume are conotații politice și istorice care stârnesc, în prezent, controverse aprinse printre cercetători, politicieni, jurnaliști și oamenii de rând.
Precum alte popoare, și rușii își rescriu constant istoria, omițând eșecurile răsunătoare și evocând marile victorii și evenimente patriotice.
Rodric Braithwaite, fost ambasador britanic în Rusia și excelent cunoscător al acestui spațiu, separă miturile de realitate, pentru a revela cititorului adevărul.
304 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
About the author
Rodric Braithwaite
18 books28 followersSir Rodric Quentin Braithwaite is a retired British diplomat and an author. From 1988 to 1992 Braithwaite was ambassador in Moscow, first of all under Margaret Thatcher to the Soviet Union and then under John Major to the Russian Federation. Subsequently, he was the Prime Minister's foreign policy adviser and chairman of the UK Joint Intelligence Committee (1992–93), and was awarded the GCMG in 1994.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 20, 2023
3.5 stars.
Braithwaite's newest book on Russia takes the reader on a crash course through the country's history. But despite its short length it is more then able to provide the reader with broad historic overview of Russia's very complex, rich and nuanced history.
The main thing I liked about the book is that Braithwaite refuses to give in to doom and gloom regarding Russia's future despite the current atrocities committed by Russia's regime and armed forces in its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Braithwaite's claim to optimism is backed up by the many struggles which other European nations faced with coming to terms with their own imperial past.
Overall it would have perhaps been better if the book had been 20 to 30 pages longer. While I understand that the book is supposed to provide readers with a quick overview of Russian history, I found it a little irritating how in some parts the writing was a bit disorganised as well as events such as the Holodomor, the Chechen wars and the 1993 Russian constitutional crisis were only given a brief mention.
Braithwaite's newest book on Russia takes the reader on a crash course through the country's history. But despite its short length it is more then able to provide the reader with broad historic overview of Russia's very complex, rich and nuanced history.
The main thing I liked about the book is that Braithwaite refuses to give in to doom and gloom regarding Russia's future despite the current atrocities committed by Russia's regime and armed forces in its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Braithwaite's claim to optimism is backed up by the many struggles which other European nations faced with coming to terms with their own imperial past.
Overall it would have perhaps been better if the book had been 20 to 30 pages longer. While I understand that the book is supposed to provide readers with a quick overview of Russian history, I found it a little irritating how in some parts the writing was a bit disorganised as well as events such as the Holodomor, the Chechen wars and the 1993 Russian constitutional crisis were only given a brief mention.
January 1, 2023
Interesting and up to date summary of Russian history, focussing on the authoritarian nature of Russia's leaders over the 1000 years since the establishment of the Kievan Rus and ending up with Putin. Lots of references to Ukraine.
October 15, 2024
The biz!! It’s a cracker!
A thousand years of Russia, the personalities, the events, the outcomes. Get your running gear on before you open the book, ‘cause there’s little time to warm up before you’re off.
Entertaining and enjoyable.
Things come along in our life, in the life of a country. You can try to learn from them, or… you can twist the truth and use your interpretation of what went on to further your own aims. Ask the current or past leaders of Russia, they know how to do it.
At times, I had to chuckle over how certain figures have used misinformation/disinformation/porkie pies to con the people. I’m of the mind having read the few books I have just lately that the people of Russia/The Soviet Union never, ever mattered to their leaders, so telling whoppers never bothered them in the slightest. Maybe that’s part and parcel of being a communist/socialist: telling outright porkies is perfectly allowed.
It’s an enjoyable and entertaining read. Also, it’s sobering.
A thousand years of Russia, the personalities, the events, the outcomes. Get your running gear on before you open the book, ‘cause there’s little time to warm up before you’re off.
Entertaining and enjoyable.
Things come along in our life, in the life of a country. You can try to learn from them, or… you can twist the truth and use your interpretation of what went on to further your own aims. Ask the current or past leaders of Russia, they know how to do it.
At times, I had to chuckle over how certain figures have used misinformation/disinformation/porkie pies to con the people. I’m of the mind having read the few books I have just lately that the people of Russia/The Soviet Union never, ever mattered to their leaders, so telling whoppers never bothered them in the slightest. Maybe that’s part and parcel of being a communist/socialist: telling outright porkies is perfectly allowed.
It’s an enjoyable and entertaining read. Also, it’s sobering.
December 17, 2022
A concise work that offers the reader a chance to glance at Russian history with some commentary on what most see as truth and what they see as myth. The author is a former ambassador to Russia, so there is some gravitas on his analysis. Perhaps the most helpful section is the bibliography he puts at the end of the work, offering the reader the chance to dig deeper into the Russian history/story. Given recent events, with Russia dominating the headlines with their invasion and subsequent failures in Ukraine, this is not a bad starting reference.
November 7, 2022
As someone who has spent several years studying russian history, this book occupies an important gap in British/western literature. Russia is much more than we see in the news, and much of its decisions and policies are shaped by decades and centuries of geopolitical trends.
None of this is an excuse for the crimes of the Russian government but I think this book creates a level of sympathy for the Russian people which is vital. Braithwaite shares his experiences and his knowledge in a compact and accessible history of Russia. This incredibly complex nation with its roots steeped in orthodoxy, conservatism, and questions of its place in the world deserves to be better understood by the people who have been raised to fear and hate it.
I have endless respect for Sir Rodric Braithwaite for using his position as a Briton who has spent considerable time in the heart of Russian life and politics to educate and inform on a severely misunderstood topic. I hope more people read this.
None of this is an excuse for the crimes of the Russian government but I think this book creates a level of sympathy for the Russian people which is vital. Braithwaite shares his experiences and his knowledge in a compact and accessible history of Russia. This incredibly complex nation with its roots steeped in orthodoxy, conservatism, and questions of its place in the world deserves to be better understood by the people who have been raised to fear and hate it.
I have endless respect for Sir Rodric Braithwaite for using his position as a Briton who has spent considerable time in the heart of Russian life and politics to educate and inform on a severely misunderstood topic. I hope more people read this.
December 25, 2023
Concise and well written. Also fairly recent (2022) with a last chapter on Russia’s designs for Ukraine in relation to their complicated history
August 20, 2025
A good brief overview of Russian history, achieves exactly what it sets out to do. Only faults I have are that I would have liked it to jump around less, and also developed on a couple events more but that's more about preference (e.g. chechen war being almost a footnote)
Also, and I understand why this wasn't further expanded on as it's not so important for someone wanting an overview, I did feel that the 'Norman theory' of the Rus origin was overplayed a touch and some further explanation to a new reader of russian history that this theory is potentially false and at the least much more complicated would be good. Even just mentioning the greek colonies that mixed which the Indigenous groups and various migrations (scythians, sarmations) as providing a base for the development of culture in Kieven Rus would have been a shout in my opinion, but again it's not the most crucial thing for the reader to learn about at an introductory stage.
Really good book, highly recommend to give to friends/family that would like an easily accessible overview of Russian history.
Also, and I understand why this wasn't further expanded on as it's not so important for someone wanting an overview, I did feel that the 'Norman theory' of the Rus origin was overplayed a touch and some further explanation to a new reader of russian history that this theory is potentially false and at the least much more complicated would be good. Even just mentioning the greek colonies that mixed which the Indigenous groups and various migrations (scythians, sarmations) as providing a base for the development of culture in Kieven Rus would have been a shout in my opinion, but again it's not the most crucial thing for the reader to learn about at an introductory stage.
Really good book, highly recommend to give to friends/family that would like an easily accessible overview of Russian history.
September 4, 2025
A brief but enjoyable insight into the history of Russia; more, it talks about the people and their history.
August 12, 2026
Suhteliselt lühike kokkuvõtlik läbikappamine Kiievi Rusist Putleri Veremaani aastal 2022, mis teeb sellest päris kaasaegse lugemise. Detailsusaste on just paras tavalugejale ning soovi korral on lõpus mitmeid vihjeid erinevates aspektides detailsemate raamatuteni.
Lugesin seda eestikeelsena, kuid Goodreadsis seda editionit ei leidnud.
Tsiteerimist vääriks mitmeid lõike, kuid ma valin siit kõigest ühe muusika kohta ja ühe esimese maailmasõja kohta.
Lugesin seda eestikeelsena, kuid Goodreadsis seda editionit ei leidnud.
Tsiteerimist vääriks mitmeid lõike, kuid ma valin siit kõigest ühe muusika kohta ja ühe esimese maailmasõja kohta.
Vene muusika hakkas professionaliseeruma siis, kui Anton Rubinstein rajas 1862. aastal Peterburi konservatooriumi. Sellega kaasnesid intriigid ja isiklikud süüdistused asutaja pihta, mis olid kantud ka antisemitismist. Üks konservatooriumi esimesi õpilasi oli Pjotr Tšaikovski, kes sai õige pea kuulsaks kogu maailmas. Tema sümfooniad ja kontserdid ning Puškini poeemil põhinev ooper „Jevgeni Onegin" püsivad tänapäevani kindlalt mängukavades.
***
Kodusõjas hukkus lahingutes, sõjakuritegudes, näljahädades ja sellele järgnenud viletsuses 7-12 miljonit inimest: kaugelt rohkem, kui hukkus venelasi Esimeses maailmasõjas. Peaaegu kaks miljonit venelast põgenes riigist. Kui mõned sugulased olid valgete poolel sõdinud, polnud seda ohutu tunnistada kuni Nõukogude Liidu lõpuaastateni.
Impeerium vajus kokku, kui selle alamateks olnud riigid asusid iseseisvust nõudma.
Poolakatel tuli otsustada, millist riiki nad näha soovisid.
Ühel pool seisid need, kes ihkasid vaimusilmas tagasi keskaegset Poolat, etniliselt ja usuliselt ühtset, mõõdukas suuruses poolakate ja katoliiklaste riiki. Aga endine sotsialist, kindral Józef Piłsudski võttis plaani ehitada taas üles enne Poola tükkideks jagamist püsinud Leedu-Poola liitriik Rzeczpospolita. Pikemas perspektiivis oli tema visioonis võimas Poola, mis oli vaba Saksamaa ja Venemaa kütkeist. Tema hüüdlause „Poola merest mereni" võtsid Teise maailmasõja ajal kasutusse Poola vabadusvõitlejad.
Seda neoimperialistlikku projekti panid aga pahaks paljud Poola naabrid, sest nende armee vallutas nüüd nii Galiitsia kui ka suure osa äsja iseseisvunud Leedust: nonde riikide pealinnad Lviv ja Vilnius olid pikka aega olnud poola intellektuaalse elu keskused, suurem osa sealsest elanikkonnast oli poolakeelne, kuigi seal oli ka suur juudi kogukond. Kuid ümberkaudsetes maapiirkondades elasid leedulased ja ukrainlased, suur osa neist õigeusklikud, ning see tõotas üksnes häda kaasa tuua.
1920. aasta mais vallutasid Piłsudski sõdurid Kiievi.
Venelased ründasid vastu ja kihutasid poolakad tagasi Varssavi alla. Lenin lootis, et see toob kaasa maailmarevolutsiooni, kuid tänu Neitsi Maarjale - nagu usuvad mõned poolakad tänapäevani - tõkestasid poolakad venelaste tee ja haarasid ise lahinguväljal edu. 1921. aasta mais sundisid nad venelasi alla kirjutama rahulepingule, millega Poola piir 200 kilomeetrit ida poole nihutati. Sellega saavutati paljud Piłsudski seatud territoriaalsed eesmärgid. Venelased kirjutasid Piłsudski edu süngelt brittide ja prantslaste salasepitsuste arvele.
1918. aasta lõpus lahkusid sakslastest okupandid Ukrainast ning sellele järgnenud segaduses õnnestus ukrainlastel korraks omaenda habras riik välja kuulutada. Koos poolakatega sõlmisid nad liidu bolševike vastu. Kuid mõlemalt poolt reetmise ohvriks langenuna jagati nende riik taas kord teiste vahel.
Lääne-Ukrainast sai Poola vabariigi vähemprivilegeeritud osa. Ukraina keel ja kultuur olid allasurutud. Ukraina rahvuslased asusid poolakaid tapma ja nende vara hävitama. Poola politseinikud ja sõdurid otsisid ukrainlaste küladest relvi ning vahistasid sealseid elanikke.
Kiiev ja ülejäänud Ukraina jäi aga Nõukogude Liidu kätte. Hüüdlause all „Sisult sotsialistlik, vormilt rahvuslik" oli ukrainlaste riik alguses stabiilsem kui eales varem Kiievi-Venemaast saadik. Neil oli oma ministeeriumide ja haldusüksuste struktuur, enda teaduste akadeemia. Ukraina keel ja kirjandus õitsesid.
Grusiinid ja armeenlased said samuti oma vanad rahvusriigid korraks taas jalule seada, samas kui Briti väed naftarikka Bakuu üle lahinguid lõid. Kuid britid tõmbusid tagasi, bolševikud jäid peale ja Kaukaasia toodi Vene võimu alla tagasi. Sarma juhtus ka suures osas Kesk-Aasias.
Ainult baltlastel õnnestus saavutada täielik iseseisvus pärast segaseid lahinguid poolakate, sakslaste, venelaste ja kohalike vabadusvõitlejate vahel, kellele britid appi tulid. Lätlased ja eestlased polnud kunagi varem iseseisvad olnudki, kuid neil oli alati olnud tugev kultuuriline ja keeleline identiteet ning nende uued riigid olid väga elujõulised. Leedulased, kelle iidse pealinna Vilniuse olid poolakad üle võtnud, ehitasid oma uue riigi üles suuruselt teise linna, Kaunase ümber.
1922. aastaks olid bolševikud impeeriumi piirid taas maha tõmmanud, kui välja arvata Poola ja Läänemere kallas. Ukraina, Valgevene ja teiste rahvavabariikide iseseisvus" kehtis Nõukogude režiimis üksnes mõtteliselt. Ilma süümepiinadeta asus Nõukogude Liit „kodanlikku rahvuslust" välja juurima kõikjalt, kus see pead tõstis. Ent vabariikide kanajalgadel valitsusasutused, mille bolševikud olid rajanud, suutsid Nõukogude süsteemi kokkuvarisemise järel 1991. aastal siiski päris iseseisvatele riikidele vundamendiks olla.
July 2, 2023
The greatest virtue of this book is its succinctness. That's also one of its drawbacks, however. It covers 1200 or so years of Russian history in only 250 pages. If you're reading this book in the first place, you're probably already familiar with the broad outlines of Russian history, and this book won't do much to deepen that knowledge.
Perhaps the single greatest insight I gleaned from this book is the author's dismissal of the idea that the Mongol invasions of the turn of the second millennium have much to do with Russia's historical backwardness and violent history. The author contrasts Russia's path with that of the Spanish, whose country was occupied by the Moors for 700 years, until expelled in 1492. Russia, by contrast, was only under the Mongols for 250 years. Moreover, the Moors actively occupied Spain, whereas the Mongols stayed on Russia's periphery and merely collected tribute from their Russian vassals, leaving them to run their own affairs otherwise. Yet Spain today is a prosperous democracy whereas Russia is a ramshackle autocracy currently engaged in a bloody war of aggression against its Ukrainian neighbor. I think the Mongols can be left off the hook for Russia's modern-day failings.
If that's not the explanation, what is the reason Russia has never made the transition to even a semblance of being a prosperous democracy? There are a lot of possible explanations, but these are not really explored in this book other than in the form of some almost offhand comments.
Personally, my choices for some of the reasons for Russia's failure to become a modern Western state would include: making the mistake of creating a multi-ethnic empire; growing so large in geographical area as to be almost ungovernable; creating a conservative, insular state religion (the Russian Orthodox Church) that complicated the business of running a multi-ethnic empire; failing to get rid of serfdom until very late in its history, centuries after it had disappeared in Western Europe; and being unlucky enough to fall under the sway of a handful of Marxist revolutionaries who, against all odds, managed to overthrow the state in 1917 and hold onto it through the Civil War that followed. The Bolshevik revolutionaries then proceeded to govern much worse than the regime they replaced.
Perhaps the single greatest insight I gleaned from this book is the author's dismissal of the idea that the Mongol invasions of the turn of the second millennium have much to do with Russia's historical backwardness and violent history. The author contrasts Russia's path with that of the Spanish, whose country was occupied by the Moors for 700 years, until expelled in 1492. Russia, by contrast, was only under the Mongols for 250 years. Moreover, the Moors actively occupied Spain, whereas the Mongols stayed on Russia's periphery and merely collected tribute from their Russian vassals, leaving them to run their own affairs otherwise. Yet Spain today is a prosperous democracy whereas Russia is a ramshackle autocracy currently engaged in a bloody war of aggression against its Ukrainian neighbor. I think the Mongols can be left off the hook for Russia's modern-day failings.
If that's not the explanation, what is the reason Russia has never made the transition to even a semblance of being a prosperous democracy? There are a lot of possible explanations, but these are not really explored in this book other than in the form of some almost offhand comments.
Personally, my choices for some of the reasons for Russia's failure to become a modern Western state would include: making the mistake of creating a multi-ethnic empire; growing so large in geographical area as to be almost ungovernable; creating a conservative, insular state religion (the Russian Orthodox Church) that complicated the business of running a multi-ethnic empire; failing to get rid of serfdom until very late in its history, centuries after it had disappeared in Western Europe; and being unlucky enough to fall under the sway of a handful of Marxist revolutionaries who, against all odds, managed to overthrow the state in 1917 and hold onto it through the Civil War that followed. The Bolshevik revolutionaries then proceeded to govern much worse than the regime they replaced.
June 26, 2025
Nice overview of a survey of Russian history. Fairly positive about Russia. Not overly so.
Raises a few counter points to the superficial understanding that seems to be the natural reflex of a westerner (most obviously myself). I mean specifically understanding the Russian psyche, especially that of the ruling elite.
Interesting ideas that stood out:
* yes the Mongol yoke was there for 250 years, but Spain was Muslim for 700 years too
* yes the Russians are ruled with autocracy (this book does nothing to deflect or counter the people's expectations for being ruled) but Catherine the great was also a liberal reformer (implementing some rights and social security - TBD). Moreover, Moscow (and other principalities) had women regents under the Mongols (completely eradicated as practice afterwards).
All in all not a lot has changed my mind, but it's certainly added a bit of colour, softened the edges somewhat of my understanding.
Even the author says the Russian people think of themselves as chosen people to give civilisation to the world (convenient for Dugin-Putinist worldviews, or even, just is the way of thinking in Russian mir), by inheritance of Byzantium. But they are noble, supporting and friendly people. But also ruthless and treacherous, as their society necessitates it all.
It still seems Russia is a Greater Moscovian Empire. That they claim Russia has no borders does seem in line with the thesis of the books view of Russians, in my opinion.
I am always inclined to state, if only for personal benefit, Russians are not an enemy. However, Putinist's position themselves and likewise position the Anglo-Saxon-sea-power-atlanticists as enemies.
So, what is to be done?
Raises a few counter points to the superficial understanding that seems to be the natural reflex of a westerner (most obviously myself). I mean specifically understanding the Russian psyche, especially that of the ruling elite.
Interesting ideas that stood out:
* yes the Mongol yoke was there for 250 years, but Spain was Muslim for 700 years too
* yes the Russians are ruled with autocracy (this book does nothing to deflect or counter the people's expectations for being ruled) but Catherine the great was also a liberal reformer (implementing some rights and social security - TBD). Moreover, Moscow (and other principalities) had women regents under the Mongols (completely eradicated as practice afterwards).
All in all not a lot has changed my mind, but it's certainly added a bit of colour, softened the edges somewhat of my understanding.
Even the author says the Russian people think of themselves as chosen people to give civilisation to the world (convenient for Dugin-Putinist worldviews, or even, just is the way of thinking in Russian mir), by inheritance of Byzantium. But they are noble, supporting and friendly people. But also ruthless and treacherous, as their society necessitates it all.
It still seems Russia is a Greater Moscovian Empire. That they claim Russia has no borders does seem in line with the thesis of the books view of Russians, in my opinion.
I am always inclined to state, if only for personal benefit, Russians are not an enemy. However, Putinist's position themselves and likewise position the Anglo-Saxon-sea-power-atlanticists as enemies.
So, what is to be done?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
This is the book for you if you're fed up with hot takes and want to learn how Russia really works. Also, it is the mark of great storytelling. Braithwaite makes intricate history feel like an hourlong bender of a solid Netflix show.
The title is clever word play for me, as it refers to Russia's "unpredictable past" for a reason: few episodes in Russian history have been as subject reexamination and rewriting as they might be made to serve whatever political presentment may require. Here, Braithwaite skillfully lays out the malleability of history in Russia and how a historically fluctuating past has defined Russian self-identity alongside shaping Western perceptions.
This is the kind of book that matters at a moment in geopolitical history where the actions taken by Russia continue to reverberate around global political cultures, Braithwaite brings an experienced and well-informed perspective. The Welfare State Reader might well be the best place to start for a student of history, anyone in policy-making, and even anyone just trying to make sense of all the current goings on.
Crucial for those seeking to comprehend the most powerful and least understood nation on earth, this book is a perceptive examination of what happens when democracy meets terrorism. There is, perhaps, in our present world of global rancour and strife, a need for such understanding that has never been greater.
The title is clever word play for me, as it refers to Russia's "unpredictable past" for a reason: few episodes in Russian history have been as subject reexamination and rewriting as they might be made to serve whatever political presentment may require. Here, Braithwaite skillfully lays out the malleability of history in Russia and how a historically fluctuating past has defined Russian self-identity alongside shaping Western perceptions.
This is the kind of book that matters at a moment in geopolitical history where the actions taken by Russia continue to reverberate around global political cultures, Braithwaite brings an experienced and well-informed perspective. The Welfare State Reader might well be the best place to start for a student of history, anyone in policy-making, and even anyone just trying to make sense of all the current goings on.
Crucial for those seeking to comprehend the most powerful and least understood nation on earth, this book is a perceptive examination of what happens when democracy meets terrorism. There is, perhaps, in our present world of global rancour and strife, a need for such understanding that has never been greater.
November 13, 2022
Unexpectedly levelled off brief history of Russia for a book written by a foreigner. There is that bitter feeling inside most Russians (and the author touches on that as well) that we are so complicated that noone understands us, but judges harshly. It is short overview, but gives sufficient insight on why we are not protesting on the street awful deeds done in our name in the neighbouring country, it explains how again and again Russia goes to the next circle of pain and terror. It does feel like there is no way out and still the authors says we are no different from other European nations, there will be a moment to finally overgrow imperial itch. "Товарищ, верь, взойдет она...". I would happily suggest this book to my non-Russian friends if there want to have some more understanding of the ocountry and its people.
October 5, 2023
A well written and enjoyable, if a bit too brief, survey of Russian history, as seen by the Russians themselves (or at least this author’s best take on how the Russians themselves see their history).
Overall, the book was good, but it needed to be a bit longer, and the events post World War II, and especially post fall of Communism, were far too briefly covered to really offer the reader any insight into the myths and stories that modern Russians tell themselves. It also lacked a bit of nuance in the discussion of the Putin era.
What was good was the authors sense of optimism about Russia, that there is hope for the future, even if the present (and, indeed, most of Russia’s history) has been less than ideal, to say the least.
Overall: recommended as a good introduction to Russian history.
Overall, the book was good, but it needed to be a bit longer, and the events post World War II, and especially post fall of Communism, were far too briefly covered to really offer the reader any insight into the myths and stories that modern Russians tell themselves. It also lacked a bit of nuance in the discussion of the Putin era.
What was good was the authors sense of optimism about Russia, that there is hope for the future, even if the present (and, indeed, most of Russia’s history) has been less than ideal, to say the least.
Overall: recommended as a good introduction to Russian history.
February 20, 2023
1 Star
I am this book was just so fucking boring like I feel like a bit of a bitch for giving this book one star but Jesus, I love Russian history and have quite a lot of knowledge on the topic and this book really doesn't add anything new and actually, it felt like it took out all the interesting parts of Russia history and quiet frankly felt like a money grab due to Russia's war with Ukraine and I was not about it.
"One thing only was sure. Russia's future would be shaped by the Russian people themselves, regardless of the hopes, fears and wishful thinking of foreigners.'- Rewriting History.
March 14, 2023
I have been intrigued with Russian history and the trials and tribulations of the people for quite a while now. The insight that the past provides into current events is startling in many ways. This book made very clear ties and connections between the two that really brought many events into the light.
I find it all so interesting, and for that reason I will continue to look for more and more books on the subject.
This was a very easy to read history. I gain a deeper understanding of events and circumstances with each book I read on the subject, and this one was a great addition to my collection.
I find it all so interesting, and for that reason I will continue to look for more and more books on the subject.
This was a very easy to read history. I gain a deeper understanding of events and circumstances with each book I read on the subject, and this one was a great addition to my collection.
January 13, 2023
This is an informative narrative summary of the history of Russia from its formation to the present - which includes the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The author writes from the perspective of a one-time British Ambassador and foreign policy advisor to the British Government. His judgments are well placed, reasonable and plausible. This book is recommended particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the history of Russia, but all readers will derive satisfaction from this authoritative overview.
January 16, 2025
The author clearly approaches the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church from an outsider's perspective, which is clear from the way he discusses Christian history. This results in some inaccuracies, especially when covering the history of Christendom and his understanding of finer theological points. However, when it comes to Russia's history, the author seems more balanced. The overview of Russia’s long past comes across as more fair and grounded. Obviously, this book is not extensive, but it gives a good general idea of Russia's history.
September 28, 2024
First, this is enjoyable and probably as much for the style of writing as the content. It's a gallop through Russia's history, picking up on the happenings that shape Russia and Russian thinking. History re-written to suit an agenda is not limited to Russia. A myth told often enough becomes the truth. A tight grip on the masses will see the truth etched into stone.
Today, I wonder how many see past the myth. The history of Russia will show that silence is not submission, it's wisdom.
Today, I wonder how many see past the myth. The history of Russia will show that silence is not submission, it's wisdom.
October 24, 2025
3.5 stars. A good general history of Russia. The author does a pretty sufficient job at condensing over a thousand years of history. However, sometimes the narrative would jump around too much from one set of years to the next, and some grammar/structure elements made the read confusing. The book does pick up towards the end as the more familiar story of the Russian Revolution, Stalin's rule, the eventual fall of the USSR and Russia's opening, and Putin's reign play out.
December 12, 2022
I found this book both informative and nuanced when it came to Russian history and how it shaped the country and the people. While I do not agree with all the author’s conclusions I do think this is a great resources for people trying to understand the current Russia/Ukraine conflict
May 17, 2023
The best history of Russia I've read. Good length, well written. I really liked how the author will be describing events from far in the past and then do an aside of several pages where he points out how this has affected modern Russia or more recent parts of Russian history.
September 8, 2023
It was like a bad summary in some points. Also, the writer insists in his opinion many times, although he does not justify his position. Nice for introduction to the Russian history, but not something special
August 17, 2026
En rigtig god oversigt over de mere end 1000 års historie der går forud for staten Rusland som vi kender den i dag, med en god vinkel til forholdet til Ukraine. Til tider meget generaliserende og går let over store tidsperioder for at fokusere på andre
September 19, 2022
Little bit of everything, not enough of anything.
Good little bit on Peter and Catherine the Greats.
Good little bit on Peter and Catherine the Greats.
November 12, 2022
I find it difficult to read after I read he referred to North America as “discovered” by Columbus! How many more lies are held within this book?
February 23, 2023
Good introduction that serves as a basis for deeper reading of Russian history. Balanced and a good jumping off point.
March 3, 2023
Well written and informative. A good read.
July 6, 2023
A good summary of the history of Russia which gives some context into the current situation in that part of the world. A lot of detail makes it not an easy read, but I have enjoyed learning more.
February 3, 2024
Informative and essential to understanding the current situation in the Ukraine. Really enjoyable read, and I've been suggesting this to the folk studying Russian Revolutions.
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