The Soviet Colossus: History and Aftermath

by Michael Kort

Will Russia ever be peaceful, prosperous, and free? Part of the answer to that question lies in the past. Now revised and updated, this most readable and thought-provoking history of modern Russia begins with a brief review of the past that shaped Russia as it entered the twentieth century. The author then focuses on the pivotal events that led in turn to the demise of the tsarist regime, the establishment of the Bolshevik dictatorship, the era of Stalinist totalitarianism, the reforms and counter-reforms of Khrushchev and Brezhnev, and the dramatic changes that swept the country during the Gorbachev years, culminating in the collapse of the Soviet experiment that Lenin and the Bolsheviks so confidently began in 1917. The last part of the book chronicles the triumphs and difficulties that Russia has experienced since the Soviet collapse in 1991, and the attempt to create a Russian-style capitalist democracy under the very different presidencies of Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin. Michael Kort's treatment is deeply informed by new revelations and ongoing debates about the nature of the Soviet regime and its successor, and students respond positively to the author's lively style and moral engagement. This new edition of "The Soviet Colossus" is the most readable, accessible, and judicious short history of modern Russia - an ideal choice for courses on Russian history or politics.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Russia

536 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soviet Colossus was just that: colossal. Since it dealt with a subject I don't really care for, it's hard for me to evaluate it fairly. I will say that I thought it dealt with communism and socialism very honestly. It bluntly portrayed the failings of each. It didn't sing the praises of any particular philosophy. It let you make up your own mind. It didn't sing the praises of any particular leader, either. It just presented the facts. So, while slightly dry and boring (make sure you have a slushy to slurp on while you're trying to read this), it gives a very good overview of the Soviet Union.

[Cat Kearbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is informational and contains a wealth of data and research on its topic, but Kort's writing style can be dry at times. The book also sometimes leans into narrativization and broad generalization, such as geographic determinism, broad statements about the nature of Russia and Russians, and attempting to pull out historical patterns where none exist. At one point, he draws analogy between Eastern Slavs fighting the Mongols and Scythians fighting the Persians to imply a historical pattern of Russia defending "the West" from "Asiatic hordes." (Not his words, I should clarify, just the narrative he seems to perpetuate.) While Kort's research is extremely strong, I'm not sure the same can be said for the broad conclusions he comes to from that research.

[Hd · Rating 3 out of 5]

hahaha. shit. have to read this for school.

[Cory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts of this book were interesting but it left me in the neutral zone on wheather it was good or not since 50% of the time, you were asking yoursef "Why did I pick this thing up?"