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The History of Twentieth-century Russia: From Nicholas II to Putin

By: Robert Service
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN: 0140174826
ISBN-13: 9780140174823
Released: 30 Jul 1998
RRP: £12.99
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Customer Reviews

A valuable synopsis of the whole century of Russian history. - By: , 16 Apr 2000
Service has produced a valuable one volume history of Twentieth Centuruy Russsia. He has admirably resisted the temptation to focus too heavily upon the eras of Lenin & Stalin. His account of the Brezhenev & Gorbachev years is particuarly valuable, although he presents a somewhat laudatory account of Gorbachevs reforms. Nethertheless this work will be very useful as a more advanced introduction to Soviet history & has a lot to offer to those already familiar with Russia's recent past. Servics' synthesis of economic, cultural & social history while still communicating the political narrative was particuarly impressive. There is however perhaps a case to suggesy that personality as a factor could have been given a more overt consideration, particuarly in the case of earlier Russian leaders. An examination of the essential problems of Russian history in more detail format than the seven page conclusion is perhaps desirable. Russian history appears to be dominated by a number of recurrent issues, such as its geographical size & features,the nationality problem & Russia's relationship with a more developed West. A consideration of these factors such as in the opening & concluding chapres of Dominic Lieven's "Nicholas II Emperor of alll the Russias," would greatly enhance drawing together the multiple strands of Russian experience throughout the twentieth century. Those relatively new to Russian history, & those interested in the collapse of Communism will find this work enlightening & invaluable. Those whoever are concereed with the Collapse of Tsarism or the genesis of the Soviet system may well find more perceptive accounts elsewhere.