Product Description

The Russian Revolution had a decisive impact on the history of the twentieth century. In the years following the collapse of the Soviet regime and the opening of its archives, it has become possible to step back and see the full picture. This fully updated new edition of Sheila Fitzpatrick's classic short history of the Russian Revolution takes into account the new archival and other evidence that has come to light since then, incorporating material that was previously inaccessible not only to Western but also to Soviet historians Starting with an overview of the roots of the revolution, Fitzpatrick takes the story from 1917, through Stalin's 'revolution from above', to the great purges of the 1930s. She tells a gripping story of a Marxist revolution that was intended to transform the world, visited enormous suffering on the Russian people, and, like the French Revolution before it, ended up by devouring its own children.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58460 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
Shelia Fizpatrick is E. Schmitt Distinguished Service Professor of History at the University of Chicago. She is a historian of modern Russia (the Soviet Union) and the twentieth century. Her recent work has focussed on Soviet social and cultural history in the Stalin period, particularly everyday practices. Her current projects include a study of the international community of the Left between the wars. She is co-editor of The Journal of Modern History.

Customer Reviews

Great for A-level
This book was lent to me by my hitory teacher, for some catchup work and background reading. I found that not only did it give an overview of the whole revolution but also an in depth look at the topic I required(NEP coincidentally). i would definitely give this a read, no matter who you are, although A-level or GCSE students will probably benefit the most, as it is really easy to read.

Amazing
THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION by Sheila Fitzpatrick is very concise and excellently written, giving a better understanding of the revolution and its purpose as well as a better outlook to the characters than other books on that era of history. I recommend this book with UNION MOUJIK, PUTIN'S RUSSIA, THE LIFE AND DEATH OF LENIN, RUSSIA'S UNFINISHED REVOLUTION to compliment this book on the Russian revolution and its aftermath until today's Russia.

Heavy Going
I was looking for a fairly brief but reliable guide to a complex subject. This book was, to be honest, a hard read. Well-written in its way, but no light touch for the lay person, and thus it was somewhat onerous to persevere. All the facts are there, but no anecdotal detail to humanize the subject.