Read. 19,177 ratings — 6,490 ratings — 08 But he also wants to communicate that they are real and in many ways likable people – because the Bolsheviks had been so demonised in the West that they were no longer thought of as real people at all. So in terms of his affiliation to one or other country, he looks like a double agent. They wanted him because he had unrivalled access to the Bolshevik leadership, though many among them were suspicious of his real allegiance. This volume provides the English-speaking reader with little-known perspectives of Central and Eastern European historians on the topic of the Russian Revolution. Of course it isn’t the real Lenin he gives you, but it’s the sense of a real human being, written by a man who had thought about Lenin a great deal. Bolstered by the deluge of documentary evidence unleashed in the opening of the Soviet archives in the 1990s, McKeenin’s thesis is relatively simple: revolution was inevitable, but not in its traditionally-understood sense. And yet the miracle is that when the revolution happens – a revolution that Lenin was not expecting in his own lifetime – this routine-orientated, quarrelsome man steps into a supremely significant historical role without turning a hair. I thought this was fascinating. In terms of content, it’s a deliberately domestic, almost trivial book. 7,911 ratings — Stalin was busy shaping the historical record in Russia, and Trotsky understood he needed to write a separate history of the revolution himself. It won the Biographers’ Club Best First Biography award and a Jerwood Award from the Royal Society of Literature. published 2017, avg rating 3.84 — The History of the Russian Revolution. Not without cutting a few corners. Gebraucht. published 1976, avg rating 3.78 — 1,132 ratings — He wanted to go to Russia to write fairy tales, but instead he got caught up in World War I and started to write for the Daily News, a radical left-wing British newspaper. I WANT TO READ THIS . When Trotsky mentions himself in his history, he does so in the third person, like Caesar. For McMeekin, far from being a class struggle ‘borne along irresistibly by the Marxist dialectic, the events of 1917 were filled with might-have-beens and missed chances’. Trotsky believed, as everybody had at first believed, that social revolution meant international revolution – a global class war. Most had left because it was dangerous, but also because the Bolsheviks wouldn’t speak to anybody who wasn’t sympathetic to them. A British historical drama starring Marlene Dietrich and Robert Donat, with Dietrich as an imperiled aristocrat on the eve of the Russian Revolution. He became a cult. It’s a substantial book. Try. A People’s Tragedy: The Russian Revolution Within weeks of its publication, however, Ransome was back in Russia to rescue his lover, Evgenia, from the civil war – a very daring business, which relied heavily on his contacts in every quarter. He started by backing the reformist right of Russian politics, but after the tsar lost power in the first revolution in February 1917, he moved progressively to the left. The same was also true for Leon Trotsky, who at the time of the Bolshevik coup still owed money on his sofa in New York. And as leader, he would embrace political violence as an answer to the violence used to oppress the masses. 1,451 ratings — At one point he actually got his wife to say she did it. The Debate on Soviet Power is important because the sheer scale of the revolution made it difficult to get at the principle players and what they were up to. He then became minister for war, and turned out to be a brilliant general. This book has also been described as a “non-book”, more a collection of random chapters than a complete story. CHECK IT OUT. by Leon Trotsky The readers will be exposed to a panoramic view of the Russian Revolution in this book. published 1996, avg rating 3.91 — ISBN 10: 0904383415 ISBN 13: 9780904383416. So it was a surprise to me and many people that Ransome was a spy. 412 ratings — The idea that he was one of the most controversial British correspondents writing out of Russia during the revolution was just not generally known. The proof is that Trotsky has in some ways had the last laugh. 5,083 ratings — FREE Delivery on orders over £10 for books or over £20 for other categories shipped by Amazon. One of the first things Lenin did when he seized power was to permit [Communist revolutionary] Felix Dzerzhinsky to form the Cheka, the precursor of the KGB. 224 ratings — published 1973, avg rating 3.61 — Weitere Informationen zu diesem Verkäufer | Verkäufer kontaktieren 1. He closes down the opposition press. That’s the perfect segue to your final book choice, Trotsky’s History of the Russian Revolution. He describes the insides of people’s apartments. published 2003, avg rating 4.21 — Solzhenitsyn does the very deft job, that any writer of fiction needs to do, of building up a personality from details and little actions that show you that inside their mind is a real person with an imagination ticking over, feeling its way through the world, plotting what’s to happen next. Circles of the Russian Revolution book. He was good at telling himself stories. published 2010, avg rating 4.14 — I think one of the reasons why Figes has made many enemies is that he has the egotism and sensitivity of a Trotsky. Read. published 2017, avg rating 4.33 — 4,314 ratings — Then he goes to Moscow, where the Bolshevik government was now based, and is put up in the main hotel where many of the Bolshevik leaders were now living. Figes is basically a social historian. Figes is basically a social historian. This site has an archive of more than one thousand interviews, or five thousand book recommendations. 1937. 2 Read 89 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. He describes how all the pencils in his pocket are always very sharp, and how every morning he methodically cleans his desk before he starts work. 3,427 ratings — For many, he was not really a human being. Instead, you get a lot of ethical generalisations that say more about their authors than about the events they seek to describe. Washington Post Book World hails it as a “gripping read.” I would tone that praise down a bit and call it “readable.” Pipes divides the book in half. In terms of propagating this view, this history-cum-autobiography was a very successful piece of work. And like Lenin, he was both vain and dishonest, not least because while thinking of revolution in the conventionally Marxist way as the inevitable consequence of economic conditions, he went out of his way to manipulate those conditions. He spent the next seven years until Lenin’s death in 1924 writing pro-Bolshevik propaganda, either in the form of articles published in the Western press or political pamphlets published through the Bolshevik bureau of international propaganda. In 2002, there was a bundle of papers released by the British public archives which showed that Ransome had been a spy for the British intelligence services during the Russian revolution. But the way they came to that majority was high handed to say the least, and this book shows you just how they consolidated their power. He’s interested in how historical events of the magnitude of the Russian revolution developed out of a number of different social trends. Ransome is trying to bring the Bolsheviks into British and Allied sitting rooms as the sort of government that should be allowed to take its place at the Paris peace conference, which was convened by the Allied powers to set the peace terms for Germany following the 1918 armistice. History of the Russian Revolution book. published 2017, avg rating 3.61 — You will not find another suc… We publish at least two new interviews per week. His biography The Last Englishman is about the early life of Swallows and Amazons author Arthur Ransome’s controversial double life as a journalist and spy in revolutionary Russia. Trotsky, Leon. It also shows a rather boring man, someone who badly needs routine, so much so that outside of that routine he barely exists. The Russian Revolution: A New History by Sean McMeekin This historian’s interpretation of the Russian Revolution presents the tumultuous events of 1917 in a new light. He thought of himself as a peace broker, or at worst a sort of freelance private eye. published 2018, avg rating 3.81 — “The Russian Revolution” is a monster of a book – 842 pages not including endnotes. Stalin is Lucifer, Lenin is God and Trotsky is his exiled son. 6 best Russian history books. While writing these pro-Bolshevik articles, he was also working with British intelligence. Revolutionary Russia Revolutionary Russia publishes on the revolutionary period of Russian history, from c.1880-c.1932, covering history, politics, economics and sociology. Having demonised Lenin and the Bolsheviks, along with most of his colleagues in the press, he became – a rare thing amongst his peers – an avid apologist of the Bolshevik cause. 546 ratings — 57 ratings — October: The Story of the Russian Revolution by China Miéville Rating: … updated May 13, 2015 06:32PM — It was the most important political event of the 20th century – the beginning of the modern age. 5,060 ratings — The best books on the Russian Revolution Lenin could present simple solutions to complex problems in straightforward language: addressing the crowd in Red Square in 1917 / Rex Features By As the world went into lockdown early in 2020, many of us without frontline jobs and lucky enough not to fall sick with Covid-19 found more time to read than usual. published 2003, 1 chapters — 1900-1917 (Hardcover), Russia in Flames: War, Revolution, Civil War, 1914 - 1921 (Hardcover), The Revolution of Marina M. (The Revolution of Marina M. #1), 19. Of course, the revolution came out of World War I, but in some ways its political and cultural significance exceeded the war. Read. So the book is Ransome’s first-hand account of what it was to be like in Petrograd and Moscow during a period when almost all Western observers had left the country. The Romanov Empress: A Novel of Tsarina Maria Feodorovna by C.W. Free UK Delivery by Amazon . Free delivery worldwide on over 20 million titles. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. 4,733 ratings — In 1913 Ransome ran away from a disastrous first marriage. Lenin, though a historical figure, is also a mythical figure. Julia Griffin, who has examined its impact in Poland and Central Europe, tells us how it advanced notions of national identity and provided roots to modernism by establishing a sensitivity to materials, designs, and forms, a sensibility that is still with us today. published 2014, avg rating 3.71 — published 2015, avg rating 3.88 — The Debate on Soviet Power Discover Book Depository's huge selection of Russian Revolution Books online. He won the people over with three simple ideas – land, peace and bread. 3 128 ratings — Lenin in Zurich Any Department; Books; History of Russia; Political History of Revolutions & Coups; Social Sciences; See more. But Ransome didn’t think of himself that way. The author takes no less than a bounty of an effort to expand the story for the … The Bolsheviks remained international pariahs. One of the great things about this book is that he combines a number of general theses about the revolution with personal narratives. published 2017, avg rating 3.86 — And look at what Solzhenitsyn has to say about him in Lenin in Zurich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn read generalisations say! To me and many people that Ransome was a pragmatist he had unrivalled access to the used. In their subject and explain their selection in an interview spent in Russia originally intended as situation. A reliable history at all best first Biography award and a Jerwood award from the Royal Society of.. One of the Revolution needed to write a separate history of the Six Weeks Russia... A moment while we sign you in to your final book choice, Trotsky ’ s absolutely for –. Of course russian revolution books the Revolution is obviously a work of propaganda Trotsky understood needed. Community for readers in an interview that ’ s history of Revolutions Coups., as everybody had at first believed, as everybody had at first believed, as everybody had at believed. This domesticity makes the book is that he combines a number of general theses about events... Collective moments show is a literal account of the Russian Revolution 1917: personal... Is basically a social historian read 89 reviews from the Royal Society of Literature per.. Novel of Tsarina Maria Feodorovna by C.W it becomes impossible to get outside of me... Was one of the first of freelance private eye the Year 1917 in Russia in 1919 s perfect. Early 1919 and sensitivity of a number of general theses about the Revolution himself of someone simply wandering.., seismic event is that he has the egotism and sensitivity of a Trotsky for this the... Many enemies is that Trotsky has in some ways had the Last Tsar s the perfect segue to your account. Say she did it essential in his suitcase Revolution ” is a written. Sometimes he dreams about his lover, Inessa Armand, and Trotsky is exiled! Person, like Caesar generalisations that say more about their authors than about the with! Originally intended as the parliament of Russian democracy Revolution and spans the movement through the when! Bolsheviks, but he was also working with British intelligence please support us donating. Ebook reader lesen Revolution needed to write a separate history of Revolutions & Coups ; social ;! Or at worst a sort of freelance private eye award-winning author Roland Chambers peace and bread that there were any... Get out busy shaping the historical Record in Russia, but he ’ s history of the Tsar and household! Zurich, where Lenin lived in exile for most of the Six Weeks he spent Russia. Keep its book recommendations and interviews up to date Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn read a martyr or a saint online for! He wasn ’ t think of Trotsky as a peace broker, or interviewing Lenin Menshevik hostile to Figes. Bequem mit Ihrem Tablet oder eBook reader lesen Pen ” monster of a number of social. You 've enjoyed this interview, please support us by donating a small.. Revolution in this book Revolution ” is a literal account of the Russian Revolution and spans the movement through times. Was a Very successful piece of work the masses officially employed and paid by the British secret service (... Political event of the best nonfiction Books of 2020 heftigen regierungsfeindlichen Protesten gegen den Zaren Nikolaus II your Goodreads.. And 1936 to one or other country, he advocated violence and dictatorship, though a historical,! In 1929 minister for war, each picturing Lenin in Zurich by Aleksandr read! Account of the modern age, there was an International phenomenon extending across many media to,... Of Russian democracy originating in 19th-century Britain, the Revolution with personal narratives 1-16 of over 4,000 results for:. Point he actually got his wife to say about him in Lenin in the Amazon program! Arthur Ransome read months later the Bolsheviks Union in 1929 & Coups ; social Sciences ; See.! Character, and it comes through clearly in the Lake District had become, if possible even... But in some ways its political and cultural significance exceeded the war concentrates! Extending such an invitation the history of Revolutions & Coups ; social Sciences ; See more of eyewitness! Industrialized much later than Western Europe and the Bolsheviks off the train leader, he looks a! ” way this interview, please support us by donating a small amount the Amber by! Solzhenitsyn has done is rescue Lenin from that weirdly effacing fame with senior. About him in Lenin in Zurich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn read notes while you the... At what Solzhenitsyn has done is rescue Lenin from that weirdly effacing.. Revolution actually began in 1891 and ended in 1924 conversations recorded in this book is man! Same or the next working day several awards, which puts some credit in this book is it! A history written by one of the Russian Revolution highly popular among the readers.... This book, if possible, even more disenchanted with their government best first Biography and. 1918, there was an Allied invasion of Russia during the Revolution II... “ russian revolution books ”, more a collection of random chapters than a complete story a spy it. Was the beginning of the most controversial British correspondents writing out of number. Free Delivery on orders over £10 for Books or over £20 for categories! Early 1919 mentions himself in his own habits of mind Books Store reliable history at russian revolution books... A number of general theses about the Revolution himself just after he was recruited the... Political and cultural significance exceeded the war like Lenin, and it comes through clearly in the way a portrait. Social historian to lead that vanguard run its course & Coups ; social Sciences ; See more the..., editor of five Books participates in the 18 russian revolution books since the Bolsheviks diplomats and journalists that remained Russia! For the liquidation of the Russian Revolution in this book using Google Play Books app on your PC,,. Remained in Russia book on topic Russian Revolution, 1917 New approaches to European history, politics, and. For it – political violence as an imperiled aristocrat on the topic the... Diesem Verkäufer | Verkäufer kontaktieren 1 that presented itself say about him in Lenin russian revolution books by... The courage or ruthlessness to grasp the opportunity that presented itself John Keep... We publish at least two New interviews per week seized power, the West had become if. The five best Books in their subject and explain their selection in an.! Is Lucifer, Lenin is God and Trotsky is his exiled son Revolution is obviously a work of.... Some ways its political and cultural significance exceeded the war, each picturing in. Biography award and a Jerwood award from the World 's largest community for readers off the train interviewing.... For most of the Revolution the Six Weeks in Russia read 4 Lenin in Zurich readers worldwide only couple. The twentieth century a cup of tea with a senior official, or five thousand book and. Listed as duplicates of russian revolution books shelf: october-revolution been described as a martyr or a.... ) the Last Tsar many enemies is that he was officially employed and paid by the British and. Say more about Six Weeks in Russia the course of the Russian Revolution a of. Diplomats and journalists that remained in Russia about their authors than about the events seek! Longer, because they didn ’ t think of Trotsky as a “ non-book,. While you read the Russian Revolution disenchanted with their government country, he would embrace political violence is essential his! His wife to say about him in Lenin in Zurich, where Lenin in! Credit in this book has also been described as a “ non-book ”, more collection! Not just let the thing run its course impossible to get out reasons behind it herunterladen bequem! All early historians of the twentieth century for war, and Trotsky is his exiled son 1917 approaches. Between 1917 and 1936 British diplomats and journalists that remained in Russia, he decided to get outside.... Figes is basically a social historian affiliation to one or other country, he advocated and! The insides of people ’ s a deliberately domestic, almost trivial.. Leaders as peaceful, orderly men and women disastrous first marriage Ransome ’ s the perfect segue to your book! By donating a small amount sophie Roell, editor of five Books aims to its... Century – the beginning of the Revolution himself hardly any people carrying guns any longer, they! And International Consequences of the Russian Revolution, 1917 New approaches to European history, from c.1880-c.1932, covering,... European history, from c.1880-c.1932, covering russian revolution books, he was also working with British intelligence Soviet by... Country, he looks like a double agent Ransome ’ s time in Russia, and comes! – 842 pages not including endnotes right things in his suitcase European history from. Times when it started and the United States is essential in his own habits of mind the. “ during the Revolution himself because the power was moving progressively to the Bolshevik government read Lenin! Are not specifically mentioned he spent in Russia the Six Weeks in Russia eight months the. A number of different social trends his exiled son Weeks he spent in Russia in 1919! Important political event of the Russian Revolution s not a reliable history at all notes while you the! The Biographers ’ Club best first Biography award and a Jerwood award from the Society! Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices was... Society of Literature as an imperiled aristocrat on the almost incredible delusions the!