A WAR OF IMAGES: RUSSIAN POPULAR PRINTS, WARTIME CULTURE, AND NATIONAL IDENTITY, 1812-1945 [Hardcover]

NORRIS STEPHEN (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2006

The lubok—a broadside or poster—played an important role in Russia’s cultural history. Evolving as a medium for communication with a largely illiterate population, the popular prints were adapted to express political propaganda. Stephen Norris examines the use of such prints to stir patriotic fervor during times of war, from Napoleon’s failed attempt at conquering Russia to Hitler’s invasion.

Norris shows how visual images of patriotism and expressions of the Russian spirit changed over time, yet remained similar. The lubok produced during Russia’s modern wars consistently featured the same key elements: the Russian peasant, the Cossack, and a representation of “the Russian spirit.” When Russia was victorious, occasionally the tsar figured into the imagery; but by the beginning of the 20th century, ethnic identity had replaced dynastic representations of Russian nationhood. After the Revolutions of 1917, Bolshevik and Soviet leaders appropriated the traditional elements of the wartime lubok to promote their vision of the new socialist state.

The political power of lubok imagery did not end with the Bolsheviks’ adaptations. During World War II, political posters similar to those of the tsarist era reemerged to express and to reinforce Russia’s culture of patriotism and strength.

Amply illustrated, A War of Images is the first comprehensive study of how popular prints helped to construct national identity in Russia over a period of more than a century. Readers interested in Russian art, history, and culture will find its insights intriguing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A new, important and provocatively fresh angle on the question of Russian and Soviet nationhood that is sure to inspire more study and productive scholarly debate in the future.”—Studies in Russian and Soviet Cinema

“Norris' work will be invaluable to scholars both of the lubok and of wartime propaganda. His mastery of the sources and of secondary works—both Russian and Western—is most impressive.”—Nations & Nationalism

"Eminently readable ... well-researched text, lucidly written and free of theoretical digressions."—The Russian Review

About the Author

Stephen M. Norris is Assistant Professor of Russian History at Miami University in Ohio.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 291 pages
• Publisher: Northern Illinois University Press; 1 edition (September 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875803636
• ISBN-13: 978-0875803630
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,778,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable to academics as well as those with general interest in Russia, August 2, 2007

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E. Anania (Katy, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A WAR OF IMAGES: RUSSIAN POPULAR PRINTS, WARTIME CULTURE, AND NATIONAL IDENTITY, 1812-1945 (Hardcover)

Having studied Russian History in college at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union and travelled to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Dr. Norris's book is revealing in the insight it provides into images a traveller invariably encounters travelling or studying Russia. To immerse yourself in the book and truly understand that sights and history making up the collective Russian experience is invaluable to even a casual observer.

The writing is accessible and not intimidating for non-academics and should accompany any traveller to Russia who wants a deeper understanding of the people, sights and history encountered during their visit. This should be carried in tandem with your Fodor's guide.