Russia and the Soviet Union: An Historical Introduction from the Kievan State to the Present

by John M. Thompson

Book Overview

This lucid account of Russian and Soviet history presents major trends and events from ancient Kievan Rus' to Vladimir Putin's presidency of the twenty-first century. Now thoroughly revised and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813341450
• ISBN13: 9780813341453
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

good perspective on Russian history

Unlike some texts that are artificially updated into new editions simply to gin up sales, Thompson's latest edition is necessary, given the rapid changes still occurring in Russia. Though to be sure, much of the text remains unchanged from earlier editions, where it concerns pre-1990s events. This edition takes us right up to Putin's ascension as Russian president. Allowing a tentative assessment of Yeltsin's legacy. Somewhat negative, with the chaos of the post-Soviet Union. It should be said that after the book was published, trends in Russia have be pretty good for its economy, with the large rise in oil prices. For an American reader, the book should furnish a good perspective of the Russian experience.