This is a splendid book, much the best that I have ever read about Lenin ...I was overwhelmed by the power and vividness of this portrait.' Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. He cites welfare reforms, education, and significant economic progress as a unifying force that brought a share of betterment into Russian society. A History of Modern Russia: From Tsarism to the Twenty-First Century, Third Edition, Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science, Wolf Hall Trilogy 3 Books Collection Set By Hilary Mantel (The Mirror and the Light [Hardcover], Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies), Kremlin Winter: Russia and the Second Coming of Vladimir Putin, Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire, From the Bolshevik revolution in 1917 to the collapse of communism in 1991, from Lenin to Yeltsin, the history of Russia in the 20th century is a complex, tumultuous story of social, geographic, and political upheaval. . Paperback Reading this book, helped me understand better the Russian view which was very different from the US view!I highly recommend this book for background information on Russia. Yet an impact was made and, as this book expertly documents, Russia since 1991 has encountered difficulties in completely eradicating the legacy of Communism. Nevertheless, this book, which is written cleanly and with a bit of humor, is sure to become a reference work that few libraries and students of 20th-century Russian politics will want to be without. Yet, just six years earlier, when Mikhail Gorbachev became general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and chose Eduard Shevardnadze as his foreign minister, the Cold War seemed like a permanent fixture in world politics. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. This book was easier to read than many history books but did provide insight and accurate historical data. Robert Slusser’s book supplies chapter and verse on the way Trotsky misconstrued Stalin’s role in the months before October 1917. But Yeltsin has ``reintroduced violence as a method of political struggle'' in his attack on the Duma and in Chechnya, and democratic and legal procedures ``have been treated with contempt.'' Rodric Braithwaite, New StatesmanVladimir Putin has dominated Russian politics since Boris Yeltsin relinquished the presidency in his favour in May 2000. His approach is fundamentally different from that of other contemporary authors such as Mark D. Steinberg and Vladimir Khustalev (The Fall of the Romanovs, LJ 10/15/95) and Valentin Berezhkov (At Stalin's Side, LJ 9/1/94). I overall really enjoyed the structure of the book, and it made it easy to get into. Robert Service's new book, Russia: Experiment With a People, From 1991 to the Present, is published by Macmillan. If you just want a medium-strength review of Russia (more than Fodors, but not 600 pages), it might be a little more than you need. 24 A splendid book on a remarkable country. Please try again. Robert Service was until his retirement professor of Russian History at Oxford University. Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2019. This bar-code number lets you verify that you're getting exactly the right version or edition of a book. A History of Twentieth-Century Russia treats the years from 1917 to 1991 as a single period and analyzes the peculiar mixture of political, economic, and social ingredients that made up the Soviet formula. This is a story that moves--fast, dramatically, and brutally--as when Service narrates the unlikely events by which the Bolsheviks seized power or the grim ideological instigation of collectivization and purges in the 1930s, compounded by Stalin's colossal diplomatic and military blunders in the run-up to World War II. The book is incredibly well-researched and thorough. However, the sheer scale of events that took place in Russia during this time means that there is an inevitable lack of detail in this one volume history. That said, it is an entertaining and educational read. Until its denouement, no Western or Soviet politician foresaw that the standoff between the two superpowers -- after decades of struggle over every aspect of security, politics, economics, and ideas -- would end within the lifetime of the current generation. (. Communist ideas and practices never fully pervaded the society of the USSR. Service's forecast is ``not entirely'' pessimistic. But he makes a useful contribution in discussing the origins of the Stalinist terror. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. This book tells the story of these complex interactions in detail, revealing that revolutionary Russia was shaped not only by Lenin and Trotsky, but by an extraordinary miscellany of people: spies and commissars, certainly, but also diplomats, reporters, and dissidents, as well as intellectuals, opportunistic businessmen, and casual travelers. Nor was it at all obvious that that the Soviet political leadership would undertake a huge internal reform of the USSR, or that the threat of a nuclear Armageddon could or would be peacefully wound down. ( But Service also tarries to analyze the "Soviet compound," his chemical metaphor for the political techniques that made the Leninist state work for so many decades. Robert John Service FBA is a British historian, academic, and author who has written extensively on the history of the Soviet Union, particularly the era from the October … . Learn more about the program. Nowadays he is focusing on Russia in its international framework. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. Help us improve our Author Pages by updating your bibliography and submitting a new or current image and biography. The Last of the Tsars by Robert Service review – dispelling the myths. A comprehensive beginners guide to 20th century russia, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 29, 2006. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. In this engrossing account Robert Service traces the formation of the new Russia from the end of the Soviet Union in 1991 to the present. I purchased this book to "fill in the gaps" since my college survey course over 35 years ago! He paints a fascinating picture of a people in metamorphosis. 9 It is obvious that he is very well-studied on Russian history, and he does a great job explaining what was going on in the country through all the different time periods and regime changes the people endured. He has written several books, including the highly acclaimed Lenin: A Biography, Russia: Experiment with a People, Stalin: A Biography and Comrades: A History of World Communism, as well as many other books on Russia's past and present. ). The achievements of the 1990s have been substantial in terms of elections, a free-market economy, press freedom, and economic recovery. 'One of our most accomplished, erudite and prolific historians of modern Russia.' ). Service identifies the origins of the great terror in the Bolshevik regimes early years and the ascension of Stalin to power. Bought this book as I was studying the history of Russia and found this book very interesting and helpful. Unable to add item to List. Service (Russian history and politics, Sch. of London) has had access to some of the state and special archives in Moscow, although not as extensive an access as Dmitri Volkogonov (Autopsy for an Empire, p. 186). Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2016, excellent book.....full of insight...very well written, Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2012. Dominic Lieven, Sunday Telegraph 'He has managed skilfully to depict the surreal life of an obsessive, brilliant and stubborn individual' Guardian 'Lenin's life was politics, but Service has succeeded in keeping Lenin the man in focus throughout . There's a problem loading this menu right now. How are we to make sense of this history? Service (Russian History and Politics/Univ. Books Advanced Search Amazon Charts Best Sellers & more Top New Releases Deals in Books School Books Textbooks Books Outlet Children's Books Calendars & Diaries 1-16 of 25 results for Books : History : Russia : Robert Service I wanted to "catch up" as I was on my way for a 10 day visit in the hinterlands of Russia and would be not in the "tourist" mode but observer mode. ). Audible Audiobook A professor of Russian history and politics at the University of London and the author of a trilogy on Lenin, Service avoids the politicization that has plagued Soviet history of recent years. This biography simultaneously provides an account of one of the greatest turning points in modern history. This is the story of these characters: everyone from the ineffectual but perfectly positioned Somerset Maugham to vain writers and revolutionary sympathizers whose love affairs were as dangerous as their politics. Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices. He served two terms as president, before himself relinquishing the post to his prime minister, Dimitri Medvedev, only to return to presidential power for a third time in 2012. Robert Service is a Fellow of the British Academy and of St Antony's College, Oxford. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2016, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2015, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2014, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2013, This item arrived quickly and efficiently. I’ve tried in this book to bring back the historical Nicholas – a decent family man, complacent ruler and a far-right political thinker – a much more complex man than the rather romantic figure that appears in both Russian and western books to this day. Stalin book. He reveals a premier who cannot take his supremacy for granted, yet is determined to impose his will not only on his closest associates but on society at large. A straightforward and able analysis, in a text agreeably free of academic jargon. Service identifies the origins of the great terror in the Bolshevik regimes early years and the ascension of Stalin to power. Service treats the Russian Revolution as part of a whole history of the 20th century, not an isolated event. Robert Service, our pre-eminent Kremlinologist, does not offer a lot of new gossip about Putin. The early years of Bolshevik rule were marked by dynamic interaction between Russia and the West. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. Putin’s rule, whether as president or prime minister, has been marked by a steady increase in domestic repression and international assertiveness. Under a succession of leaders from Lenin to Gorbachev, various methods were used to conserve and strengthen this compound. The chapters concerning the Russian Revolution and the break-up of the USSR are particularly well presented and enjoyable. A riveting account of the last eighteen months of Tsar Nicholas II's life and reign from one of the finest Russian historians writing today. This new edition takes the story from 2002 through the entire presidency of Vladimir Putin to the election of his successor, Dmitri Medvedev. This book deals almost exclusively with internal affairs in the USSR and then Russia and the break away republics. 149 Russia is now undergoing tremendous changes on several fronts, and its history is likewise ready to be reinterpreted. The American Historical Review has published a critical examination of two books: the denunciatory biography Trotsky by British historian Robert Service and In … He is a prolific writer, penning eight books on modern Russian history, including biographies of Vladimir Lenin , Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin . Despite this, there have been signs of liberal growth and Putin – and Russia – now faces a far from certain future.In Kremlin Winter, Robert Service, acclaimed biographer of Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky and one of our finest historians of modern Russia, brings his deep understanding of that country to bear on the man who leads it. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Russia's recent past has encompassed revolution, civil war, mass terror and two world wars, and the country is still undergoing huge change. ), Kremlin Winter: Russia and the Second Coming of Vladimir Putin, ( Sys., Iola, Perhaps intended for college curricula, Service's narrative nevertheless appeals to avocational students of Russia's past century because of its fluid, economical prose. He clearly explains competing revolutionary parties, shows the origins of Stalin's paranoia, and continues with a coherent story line through the implosion of the Soviet empire. He has written several books, including the highly acclaimed Lenin: A Biography, Russia: Experiment with a People, Stalin: A Biography andComrades: A History of World Communism, as well as many other books on Russia's past and present. Updating his acclaimed History of Modern Russia, Robert Service provides a panoramic perspective on a country whose Soviet past encompassed revolution, civil war, mass terror, and two world wars. There's a problem loading this menu right now. ). It is a riveting insight into power politics as Russia faces a blizzard of difficulties both at home and abroad. Please try your request again later. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. Updating his acclaimed History of Modern Russia, Robert Service provides a panoramic perspective on a country whose Soviet past encompassed revolution, civil war, mass terror, and two world wars. , Spies and Commissars: The Early Years of the Russian Revolution, ( It was especially useful in that while I was in Russia, Putin was very much in the news in the US and Russia, though from very different perspectives! The Russian Revolution, 1900-1927 (Studies in European History), ( There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. 'Immensely scholarly but also vivid and readable. Robert Service does a very good job in illustrating the last couple of years on the life of Nicholas II and his family. Robert Service has revised and updated his popular book on the Russian Revolution, offering an integrated account of politics, sociology and economics. Select the department you want to search in. His other books include biographies of Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky, a textbook on the Russian Revolution and Russia: Experiment with a People, from 1991 to the Present. Russia has had an extraordinary history in the twentieth century. Lenin is a colossal figure whose influence on twentieth-century history cannot be underestimated. 73 Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. This is often a bit shocking to Americans like myself who've spent time in Russia (even today many of the older generation still praise Krushchev for providing housing and dachas to the general populace). He reveals a premier who cannot take his supremacy for granted, yet is determined to impose his will not only on his closest associates but on society at large. Students of Russian history will find this book informative and surprisingly powerful, in particular, Service's narrative on the causes of the Soviet collapse, which he believes Gorbachev's radical social reforms brought about by inadvertently opening the door for dramatic change to take place. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. What a history that country had in the twentieth century and what repercussions it had on the entire world! It is far more than a comprehensive summary of the established facts, and provides an introduction to the results of western and Russian research. After reading this book you will have a very good understanding of what Russia and the former SSR's have been through and through this what may be in store for their future. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. --, In his fresh and lively survey of recent Russian history, Robert Service spans the whole era from the rise of communism in the first decade of this century to the aftermath of its collapse in 1991. Intimidation of the populace, though essential, was not the only ingredient extending the Soviet Union's longevity. At times the emphasis was upon shaking up the ingredients, at others upon stabilization. This is no easy task considering the complexity and the romantic view that many people still maintain of the last Russian Tsar. Such was the concentration of power that the Politburo routinely discussed whether writers should be given exit visas or special medical facilitiesit was, he notes, as if the postwar British Cabinet had debated ``whether George Orwell could visit France or Evelyn Waugh have a gall-bladder operation.'' Educated at Cambridge and Essex Universities, Service held a professorship at Oxford until 2013. Sold by: Simon & Schuster Digital Sales Inc. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Robert Service's lively analysis examines: Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Recommended for academic libraries or public libraries with Russian history collections. Robert Service's The Penguin History of Modern Russia: From Tsarism to the Twenty-first Century provides a superb panorama of Russia in the modern age. Many important subjects are covered, from the traditional tale of revolution, Stalin, stagnation, collapse. Service is also keen to debunk the theory that it was merely fear and intimidation that explains the endurance of the state. The 13-digit and 10-digit formats both work. Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2005. Stalin was one of a handful of members of the Bolshevik Central Committee who formed its inner core. In discovering the origins of the USSR, he casts light on the nature of the state and society which Lenin left behind and which have not entirely disappeared after the collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991. Buy a cheap copy of Reinterpreting Russia book by Robert Service. In Kremlin Winter, Robert Service, one of our finest historians of Russia, plots the seasonal shifts in events since 2012 and those that may be expected in the immediate future. Russia needs a period of quiet, but it would be idle to assume, he concludes, that its capacity to astound the world has been exhausted. He does not believe in demonising the Russian leader. Robert Service has written a calmly authoritative biography on this seemingly unknowable figure. Churchill gave Russia that interesting title of the enigma inside the mystery inside the riddle. He manages to pack quite a bit of information in such a small space from such a long period. I'm going on my first trip to Russia in a month and wanted to understand more about Russian history than the five pages of context in my Fodor's. No less could have been expected from the author of a series of magisterial … ( by Robert Service 414pp, Macmillan, £20 Robert Service has written an informative and necessary book on the catastrophe that overtook Russia in the 1990s. ', A History of Modern Russia--Readable and Insightful, Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2007. In Kremlin Winter, Robert Service, acclaimed biographer of Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky and one of our finest historians of modern Russia, brings his deep understanding of that country to bear on the man who leads it. 31 The latter is of obvoius relevance to anyone wishing to understand 21st century Russia. Book was in good condition. When Mikhail Gorbachëv introduced perestroika in the mid-1980s, the USSR went through a springtime of growth and release. Russia had an extraordinary twentieth century, undergoing upheaval and transformation. Worth a read for anyone interested in the subject or would like an insight into what makes the Russians of today 'tick. In "A History of Twentieth Century Russia" Robert Service brings a well written general history that in many ways addresses this. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. I'm not a history buff, and I have no training in history. A History of Twentieth-Century Russia is the first work to use the mass of material that has become available in the documentary collections, memoirs, and archives over the past decade. There was a problem loading your book clubs. Russia is the ultimate story, a story of grandeur of false hopes and shattered dreams. I meant to hit 4 stars. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. There's no question that the Soviet regime was an indiscriminately ruthless entity. For those seeking an overview of 20th century Russian history it doesn't really get much better than this. Follow to get new release updates and improved recommendations. Well written narrative history of modern Russia, Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2002. He has widened the focus out from 1917 so as to cover both the final years of the Romanov dynasty and the inception of the Soviet order. Just recently finished reading it. --Jeremy Storey. On 26 December, 1991, the hammer-and-sickle flag was lowered over the Kremlin for the last time. Rather, in a piece of superb analysis, he sets out how Putin the man was swallowed up by the machine he created. ), The Last of the Tsars: Nicholas II and the Russia Revolution, ( These years of civil war in Russia were years when the West strove to understand the new communist regime while also seeking to undermine it. I did not expect to laugh while reading it but some moments were surprisingly funny. Meanwhile, the Bolsheviks tried to spread their revolution across Europe at the same time they were seeking trade agreements that might revive their collapsing economy. Russia had an extraordinary twentieth century, undergoing upheaval and transformation. Please try again. This popular, concise and highly readable study discusses the key themes and debates about the Russian Revolution. He is a fellow of St Antony's College and an associate fellow of the Hoover Institution. In wide-ranging discussions on topics from Kremlin politics to rock music and macroeconomics to contemporary poetry, Service takes us inside to witness the changes from both … What is often overlooked is the fact that throughout it's existence it had the support of a large percentage of the population. Harvard University Press; 1st Edition (March 20, 1998), Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2008, This book is an excellent history book for the general reader. He also includes an afterword that assesses the future of post-Communist Russia. It is an extraordinarily lucid, masterful account of the most complex and turbulent period in Russia's long history. Read 89 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime. Through the prism of Lenin's career, Service examines events such as the October Revolution and the ideas of Marxism-Leninism, the one-party state, economic modernisation, dictatorship, and the politics of inter-war Europe. 38 History books. Overthrowing the conventional image of Stalin as an uneducated political administrator inexplicably transformed into a pathological killer, Robert Service reveals a more complex and fascinating story behind this notorious twentieth-century figure. All this occurred against a background of dictatorship, civil war, forcible industrialization, terror, world war, and the postwar arms race. 6 best Russian history books. Making use of recently opened archives, he has been able to piece together the private as well as the public life, giving the first complete picture of Lenin. This was quite a lot more than that, but it has served me well. If you are a "casual" historian preparing for a trip, this will be a thorough overview for you. It is hard to think of another country - including the United States - that had more of an impact on world politics. Robert Service gives a general overview in this book of the years 1900-2000 in Russia. His research interests cover Russian history from the late 19th century to the present day and he has written numerous books on the subject. Instead of getting lost in the forest of revolutionary events, Service connects the revolution to the New Economic Policy of 1922-28, the five-year plans, and the Great Terror of 1937-38. Robert Service is a fellow of both the British Academy and St Antony’s College, Oxford. ... Robert Service is something of a titan in the world of Soviet historiography. Robert Service is Professor of Russian Studies at St Antony’s College, Oxford. ). Discover Book Depository's huge selection of Professor of Russian History Robert Service books online. Politics and political leaders are the main characters of this detailed, balanced trip through Russia's tumultuous century because, as Service says in his introduction, "[t]he economic, social and cultural order in Russia in the twentieth century is quite incomprehensive without sustained attention to political developments." At times, the author's attention to detail becomes excessive, and he pays only glancing attention to cultural trends that would have deepened his study. It's an intellectual read, but very well written - as a non-academic I enjoyed it greatly. He is also salutary in emphasizing the limitations of centralization in a country as disorganized as Russia and the growing ineffectiveness of terror in dealing with an increasingly complex society. Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2007. Service notes progress made in education, palpable economic improvement, and privileges accorded to the, A balanced and thoughtful, if seldom particularly innovative, history of Russia in this century, concentrating on the Soviet era. The Times He shows how seven decades of communist rule, which penetrated every aspect of Soviet life, continue to influence Russia today. Please try again. He is currently a professor of Russian history at the University of Oxford, a Fellow of St. Antony's College, Oxford, and a senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. Something went wrong. Robert Service, Professor of Russian History Robert Service: Edition: illustrated, reprint: Publisher: Harvard University Press, 2005: ISBN: 0674016971, 9780674016972: Length: 715 pages: Subjects However this book does better by truly telling us the grand story of Russia, without the weakness of similar books on the subject. Hardcover In his latest meditation on modern Russia, Britain's top Kremlinologist Robert Service gets as close to the Russian president’s soul as may be possible in a scholarly account. Has had an extraordinary history in the United States on June 3, 2007 link to the., does not offer a lot of new gossip about Putin undergoing tremendous on! Unknowable figure Twenty-First century, not an isolated event part of a titan the! Free Kindle App on Russia in its international framework mobile phone number overlooked is fact... Russia is now undergoing tremendous changes on several fronts, and more right to your door, 1996-2020!, concise and highly readable study discusses the key themes and debates about Russian! 'S an intellectual read, but it has served me well keen to debunk the theory that it was fear! Easy to get into especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for free over... Service gives a general overview in this book to `` fill in the mid-1980s, USSR! 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