Russia : A Concise History [Paperback]

Ronald Hingley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 1991 | Series: Illustrated National Histories

Tremendous changes in Russia have enhanced the special fascination which this powerful, enigmatic country has so long held for the world at large.

Russia's history, from her beginnings as a pagan Slav community centered on Kiev to superpower status, has its own unique rhythm. Appalling calamities have shaped Russia: the Time of Troubles; the Napoleonic invasion; two world wars separated by a great civil war; a multitude of famines and epidemics. Not least among these scourges have been leaders such as Ivan the Terrible and Joseph Stalin.

In this revised and updated edition, Ronald Hingley considers the recent astonishing developments: the first steps towards liberalization, the collapse of communist rule throughout Russia's former satellite states, and above all the demise of Soviet communism and the disintegration of the USSR.

Russia's present can be better comprehended as the latest chapter in a long and enthralling history; a history—evoked here with the aid of over 200 illustrations—which is now being energetically reassessed by the Russians themselves. 205 black-and-white illustrations

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ronald Hingley copes with the complexities and the vastness with admirable clarity. (The Times [London] )

No better introduction to this restless and turbulent country. (The Yorkshire Post )

About the Author

Dr. Ronald Hingley, Emeritus Fellow of St Antony's College, Oxford, has written many books on Russia, including The Russian Mind, and is translator and editor of The Oxford Chekhov.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; Rei Sub edition (August 17, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500276277
• ISBN-13: 978-0500276273
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating journey through the history of Russia, February 2, 2001

By 

Mario E. Maroto (MIAMI, FLORIDA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russia : A Concise History (Paperback)

For all of you that have been fascinated with Russian history and literature, this book helps understand that beautiful and relentless spirit of russian people. Though it's a concise history, the book contains detailed descriptions of figures such as Peter the Great, Ivan the Great, Ivan the Terrible and Stalin. From the dawn of Russian civilization, in what it's now Ukraine, to the collapse of the U.S.S.R, the book will help you understand the mysery, triumphs, and character of what some many have referred to as the giant with feet of clay (Russia).

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Introduction to Russian History, November 21, 2005

By 

Bruce Brocka (Quad Cities) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Russia : A Concise History (Paperback)

To a fan of western history such as myself, I am was unfamiliar with the grand and rich history of Russia. When my child took a course in Russian History, my interest was aroused, and I bought this book. It was a delight to read, typical of most Thames and Hudson books. Profusely illustrated, it was just enough of the broad strokes for an introduction without condescending.

An excellent starting point.

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding history great reading, July 4, 2011

By 

arlette - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Russia : A Concise History (Paperback)

An easily understood and fun read for all the Russian history you need. Loved the early info on who settled where and when. Gives an excellent background for Russian today.