Product Description

Condemned by the Soviets to the black list of forbidden publications, these journals of the French aristocrat who visited Russia in 1839 were first published in France in 1843. Long recognised as one of the most fascinating and revealing impressions of Russia by a foreigner, they abound in observations on the social, political and religious state and prospects of mid-nineteenth century Russia leading Custine to dire forebodings. Custine's conviction that as long as Russians remained enslaved, isolated and deceived by ambitious rulers they would remain a menace to the rest of the world, will strike a chord with all of us today.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #823641 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
Astolphe de Custine was born in into the French aristocracy in 1790, during the period of great civil war upheaval in France. Both his father and grandfather were guillotined during the Terror. Long established in his anti-revolutionary and pro-monarchical instincts, Custine went to Russia in 1839 'to find arguments against representative government'. In doing so he achieved remarkable feats of travel and observation, and was dubbed by many 'the Tocqueville of Russia.' He died in 1857.

Customer Reviews

Remarkable foresights
This is a fascinating book. It is a travelogue, combined with political philosofy. Both are equally interesting. The travelogue describes the life Russian courts, the feodal society, and travelling in 1839 vividly.

The poilitcal/philosphical bit provides some canning insights and foresights, some of which came trye many years later. Funny how life under the czars resembled that of life under the Soviets in so many ways. .

The marquess himself is typical of noblemen of his day. His comment are nevertheless sharp and to the point, never too arrogant or descending. The famous Russian 'soul' comes under scrutiny. Lacking ofcourse are the more Dickensian types of life, conversation is often with fellow noblemen.

Interesting read, I wonder how much is stil true for today's Russia. Four stars for a valuable & interesting travelogue, sadly overlooked.