Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring (Third Edition) (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) [Paperback]

Masha Nordbye (Author)

Book Description

Series: Odyssey Illustrated Guides | Publication Date: April 30, 2007

"Indispensable... It not only provides a cornucopia of practical information and cultural insight, but takes the traveller on a splendid journey through the extensive map of the Russian soul."—Isabel Allende

Explore the symbolic heart and soul of Russia—Moscow, one of the world's great cities, and her sister city, St. Petersburg, the host of Russia's golden age and cradle of revolution—through this authoritative text, which captures the mood and magic of these famous destinations.

Moscow's once somber streets now buzz 24 hours a day with purposeful activity. St. Petersburg's baroque and classical architecture and her canals, an inspiration for musicians, artists, and writers such as Rimsky-Korsakov, Pushkin, and Dostoevsky, charm visitors to this day. This guidebook's wealth of information on these two cities and the regions surrounding them will evoke the timeless qualities of Russia's centers of power.

     • Covers the Golden Ring of ancient Russian towns surrounding Moscow, including Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Suzdal
     • Special essays on the Russian Circus, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Catherine the Great, and the Siege of Leningrad
     • Literary excerpts from writers such as Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Dumas

"As the designer of Russia's first ever golf course in Moscow, I and my international crew had the pleasure of using Ms. Nordbye's guide extensively as we placed the Reds on the Greens! A definite 'don't leave home without it!'"—Robert Trent Jones, II 129 full-color photos, 19 maps, and plans throughout

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Indispensable... It not only provides a cornucopia of practical information and cultural insight, but takes the traveller on a splendid journey through the extensive map of the Russian soul." - Isabel Allende - "As the designer of Russia's first ever golf course in Moscow, I and my international crew had the pleasure of using Ms Nordbye's guide extensively as we placed the Reds on the Greens! A definite 'Don't Leave Home Without It!'..." - Robert Trent Jones, II - "

About the Author

Writer and TV producer Masha Nordbye has travelled extensively throughout the former Soviet Union during the past 25 years, and studied at Moscow University. She has produced films for National Geographic, ABC, Discovery Channel, PBS, Disney, and Twentieth Century Fox, as well as documentaries on the Russian Circus, Lake Baikal and Siberian tigers. Nordbye lives in Los Angeles, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 728 pages
• Publisher: Odyssey Publications, Ltd.; Third Edition edition (April 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9622177719
• ISBN-13: 978-9622177710
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Travel > Asia > Russia > St. Petersburg
  • #20 in Books > Travel > Asia > Russia > Moscow

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful travel book, May 10, 2008

By 

Sharuk Yelda "Rami Yelda" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring (Third Edition) (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) (Paperback)

Russia, despite its many recent upheavals continues to be an intriguing country. Masha Nordbye's just published "Moscow St Petersburg & The Golden Ring" is the perfect travel guide for those planning to visit Russia, or for those interested in Russia's rich culture and history. The book, beside being an incomparable travel guide, is also embellished with many relevant cultural and historic quotes that together with beautiful photographs and maps, make it an intellectually appealing volume.
An added bonus to the book is the addition of detailed information about the now popular region around the Volga basin--the area called "The Golden Ring" where many of Russia's well preserved old churches and monasteries are located and where most other travel guides to Russia seem to ignore.
Finally, a kudos to ODYSSEY BOOKS & GUIDES for publishing what appear to be the best travel guides in the market.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest, most personal guides to Russia available, October 17, 2008

By 

Paul E. Richardson "Russian Life" (Montpelier, VT) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring (Third Edition) (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) (Paperback)

The newest update to Masha Nordbye's beautiful guide to the two capitals and the Golden Ring is also welcome. Nordbye has written for Russian Life, so are not unbiased. Still, it bears stating that this is one of the finest, most personal guides to Russia currently available. There is stunning photography, excellent cartography and well-chosen literary extracts. If the design is less flashy than National Geographic or Dorling Kindersley, that's OK. This, after all, is a travel guide for readers. (Reviewed by Russian Life)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Pre-Trip Reading, May 2, 2011

By 

Betty Zimmerman (Woodville, TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring (Third Edition) (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) (Paperback)

This book is providing me with the history and travel information I need as I prepare for a St Petersburg to Moscow river cruise.

It is easy to read, well organized, and the pictures are beautiful.