From Tsar To Soviets

by Christopher Read

Written from the perspective of the factory worker and peasant at the ground level, this study of Russia during the Revolution 1917-21 aims to shed light on the realities of living through and participating in these tumultuous events. The book is intended for undergraduate courses in history, Soviet studies, and politics.

Genres: History, Russia

340 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 1996

Reviews

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great social history that focuses on the role of popular movements and masses in the pre- and post-revolutionary period. focuses especially peasants, but also workers, soldiers, sailors. Read I would say is sympathetic to these democratic/popular/populist forces, and critical of bolshevik (and revisionist) history in a manner that you might expect from the mid-90s. ultimately though the point of the book is that a failure to understand the importance (and even the role) of social support doomed the more radical elements of the early years of the revolution. who am i to say how this sits in the historiography, but i found it broadly convincing and compelling.

[Charlotte Willow]

I read this for my A level history coursework in which my topic was the causes of the October Russian Revolution and whether or not it should be considered a coup or revolution.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

C:3.7 U:4 P:4 A:3