From Stalinism to Pluralism: A Documentary History of Eastern Europe since 1945 [Hardcover]

Gale Stokes (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195094476 | ISBN-13: 978-0195094473 | Publication Date: January 4, 1996 | Edition: 2

Gale Stokes has revised this highly successful book to include readings on the collapse of Yugoslavia. Also, new and updated selections expand the scope of the book. Together, the new material causes this to be the conclusive reader on the advent of Stalinism and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Strong on intellectual history."--Katherine David-Fox, Ohio State University

"Teachers of East European history have been waiting for a book like this. This is a fine sourcebook--from now on it will be required reading in my courses."--Roman Szporluk, Harvard University

"A very useful collection, which is really an intellectual history of communism versus nationalism."--Esther Kanipe, Hamilton College

"A very useful collection of primary sources that is up to date and accessible to students."--Glenn Shartman, Hiram College

"Excellent documentation! I will use this text as required reading in my future courses on Central and Eastern Europe."--Jiri Nedela, Fairfield University

"A very thorough, multi-faceted look at East European politics in the post-World War II period. Provides varied critical insights into the Soviet sphere of influence during the Cold War Required reading for all undergraduates!"--Steve Boilard, Western Kentucky University

"A very judicious selection of readings, carefully edited to provide the ideal supplement to almost any general text on the region."--Barbara Hicks, University of North Carolina

"More valuable than any other single volume on Eastern Europe under Communism!"--Dolores Augustine, St. John's College

"An excellent compilation--diverse, but not overwhelming. A good resource book for my undergraduate seminars."--Chas Bukowski, Bradley University

"Stokes's commentaries...are incisive and often illuminating; he can turn a phrase better than most academics."--Cal Clark, Perspectives on Political Science --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Gale Stokes, Professor of History, Rice University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (January 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195094476
• ISBN-13: 978-0195094473
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #975,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great collection of primary sources for studying Cold War developments in the USSR and Eastern Europe, June 5, 2011

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parzi-dowa - See all my reviews

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This review is from: From Stalinism to Pluralism: A Documentary History of Eastern Europe since 1945 (Paperback)

A typical story: this was one of the required books for a history course on the collapse of the USSR and the end of Communism in Eastern Europe. I thought, O gosh, another boring and expensive tome to lug to sections and lectures. Wrong! This is the book that you're glad to have learned about and glad to own and excited to read! (Well, if you are a history undergrad like me!)

So, what's so special? It is a collection of primary source documents from virtually every East Bloc country, dealing with everything from the COMINTERN to dissidents, anti-nuclear activists to economists, pro-marxian(non-Lennist) theories to historic speeches and manifestos from virtually every significant historically personality. It's a mix, a grab bag, a delightful kaleidescope examining every possible aspect you could want to learn about. Of course, it's general, not specific, and panoramic, not complete. But it's complete enough for an undergraduate survey-type course. It offers up quotes, evidence, and stats vital for any sort of paper one could need to write.

It is highly readable, though not all entries are equally exciting. There are also help introductions to the sources which contextualize and frame them, reminding one of complex intersecting national timelines of the individual socialist people's republics.

Again, fascinating and readable! A book only a college student studying the cold war could love! But you will love it! If you're choosing between taking this out of a library or buying your own copy, buy your own! It is a great reference!