‘this book has much to offer… interesting and engaging’
The Russian Revolution
A Beginner's Guide
Description
1917: the year a series of rebellions toppled three centuries of autocratic rule and placed a group of political radicals in charge of a world power. Here, suddenly, was the first modern socialist state, “a kingdom more bright that any heaven had to offer”. But the dream was short-lived, bringing in its wake seventy years of conflict and instability that nearly ended in nuclear war.
How could such a revolution take place and what caused it to go so very wrong? Presenting a uniquely long view of events, Abraham Ascher takes readers from the seeds of revolution in the 1880s right through to Stalin’s state terror and the power of the communist legacy in Russia today. Original and shrewd, Ascher’s analysis offers an unparalled introduction to this watershed period in world history
Reviews
"In this erudite and engaging volume, Abraham Ascher manages to combine a comprehensive and managable guide to its complex subject, which will appeal to beginners, with gems of insight -- drawn from his lifetime of engagement with the subject -- that will make it also required reading for all students of the Russian Revolution."
"The best, most concise and most reliable introduction."
"Perfect for the general reader. Original and insightful. Highly recommended."
