The Soviet Colossus: History and Aftermath

by Michael Kort

This history of 20th-century Russia has been expanded to tell the story of the Soviet aftermath. Michael Kort describes the immense difficulty Russia faces in its "transition" - still uncertain - from a totalitarian Communist society to democratic, free-market society. To succeed, Russia must simultaneously build democratic political institutions, establish a viable free-market economy, evolve a positive national identity and develop constructive new relationships with neighbouring states, both near and distant.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Russia

448 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?"