Russian History: A Very Short Introduction

Geoffrey Hosking

Very Short Introductions

Examines Russian history in an impartial way, arguing that 'Good Russia' and 'Bad Russia' are one and the same
Puts into context the difficulties Russia faces in terms of the size of its territory, its ability to rule the masses, its diverse population, and its harsh and vulnerable environment
Gives attention to the important individuals in Russian history; from Peter the Great and Catherine II to Lenin and Stalin
Considers Russia's relationship with the West and Europe
Examines the Soviet experience and the post-Soviet era
Written by an international authority on Russian history
Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over three million copies sold worldwide

Russian History: A Very Short Introduction

Geoffrey Hosking

Description

Russia's sheer size has made it difficult to mobilize resources and to govern effectively, especially given its harsh climate, vast and vulnerable borders, and the diversity of its people. In this Very Short Introduction, Geoffrey Hosking discusses all aspects of Russian history, from the struggle by the state to control society to the transformation of the nation into a multi-ethnic empire, Russia's relations with the West, and the post-Soviet era. Hosking, a leading international authority, examines Russian history in an impartial way, arguing that "Good Russia" and "Bad Russia" are one and the same. He also evaluates important individuals in Russian history, from Peter the Great and Catherine II to Lenin and Stalin.

Russian History: A Very Short Introduction

Geoffrey Hosking

Very Short Introductions

Introduction
1. Kievan Rus and the Mongols
2. The Formation of the Muscovite state
3. The Russian Empire and Europe
4. The Responsibilities and dangers of Empire
5. Reform and revolution
6. The Soviet Union's turbulent rise
7. The Soviet Union: triumph, decline and fall
Chronology
Further Reading
Glossary

Russian History: A Very Short Introduction

Geoffrey Hosking

Very Short Introductions

Author Information

Geoffrey Hosking is Emeritus Professor of Russian History at University College London.

Russian History: A Very Short Introduction

Geoffrey Hosking

Very Short Introductions

From Our Blog

The day that changed the 20th century: Russia's October Revolution

The October Revolution was probably the determining event of the twentieth century in Europe, and indeed in much of the world. The Communist ideology and the Communist paradigm of governance aroused messianic hopes and apocalyptic fears almost everywhere.

Posted on November 6, 2015

Read the blog post

Why are Russians attracted to strong leaders?

By Geoffrey Hosking After a decade of a chaotic but exhilarating democracy in the 1990s, Putin as president and prime minister has been restoring a strong state. At least, that is how we usually understand it. He has certainly restored an authoritarian state. On assuming office in 2000, he strengthened the 'power vertical' by ending the local election of provincial governors and sending in his own viceroys ' mostly ex-military men ' to supervise them. Citing the state's need for 'information security', he closed down or took over media outlets which exposed inconvenient information or criticised his actions. Determined opponents were bankrupted, threatened, arrested, even murdered. He subdued the unruly Duma (parliament) by making it much more difficult for opposition parties to register or gain access to the media, and by encouraging violations of electoral procedure at the polls. Until recently, the Russian public seemed to accept this as part of the natural order.

Posted on May 4, 2012

Read the blog post