The twentieth century was, for Russia, one of the most challenging in its history. the country experienced war, revolution and systemic collapse, all of which brought serious challenges especially in international affairs. Only by examining the whole century can Modern Russia be properly understood and key questions as to the impact of war, revolution, collapse, the Cold War ad Russia's post-Soviet development be addressed.
The Twentieth Century Russia Reader is, thus, a key resource for students of Russian history across this turbulent period. It contains key articles on history and politics from across the period; from the last Tsar, the Russian Revolution, the Soviet Union and World War Two, right up to the post-Soviet period.
The Reader covers a huge subject in an accessible and clear manner. Alistair Kocho-Williams includes a comprehensive introduction explaining trends in the historiography and giving rationale for the inclusion of material, as well as prefaces to each section and article with an explanation of the debates and how material relates to them. It is essential reading for all students of Russian history.
Biography
Alastair Kocho-Williams is a Senior Lecturer in History at the University of the West of England. He is the author of The Russian and Soviet Diplomatic Corps, 1900-1939 (Palgrave Studies in Diplomacy and International Relations, forthcoming 2009)
"This volume will prove to be an excellent introductory text for the undergraduate...Given its intended readership, such a volume should aim for clarity and authority as well as accessibility. It succeeds on all these fronts, providing a refreshingly balanced assessment of the historical picture as it currently stands, as well as covering a broad range of topics, with both articles and reviews...Overall, the volume can be unhesitatingly recommended to any interested student seeking an introduction to the study of modern Russian history."
George Gilbert, University of East Anglia in European History Quarterly, Vol. 43 No. 2
