Customer Reviews

Major Problems in the History of Imperial Russia (Issues in World Politics Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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I am currently taking a class by Professor Cracraft and used this book. It was a good read because it was an easy read. It was not confusing in any way and professor Cracraft's introductions to the essays were knowledgable. The material convered Russian history from Peter the Great to the fall of Nicholas II. The reader is a good tool in learning about the times and the monarchs themselves as well as their policies. Well worth the money!

In my opinion, the read is sooo painfully boring. Honestly, I had to read Riasanovsky's textbook in conjunction with this one and Riasanovsky's is so much easier to read and understand. This textbook, sort of has all kinds of different exerts and all of them boring, almost as if that was Craft's criteria to publish them in this textbook. Every single time I began to read this textbook, I found myself asleep. It became my sleeping pill, as it, sure, does beat insomnia.

James Cracraft has compiled and translated an excellent collection of essays from the top Russian historians. Beginning with the era of Peter the Great and covering the imperial history all the way up to Nicholas II's overthrough by the Bolsheviks.