Russia Books

As a history student I found this book a really good source to write my essay on the methods of terror used by the Bolsheviks. This book is designed to all of those that study the history of nationalities after October of 1917. I think this should be one of the first books of Pipes on the. subject of the Bolsheviks. It is really interesting that Pipes provides a lot of information in an era (1950's) when there was little information about the Soviet Union. I have also read from Pipes, The Russian Revolution, Russia under the Bolshevik Regime, The Unknown Lenin and Russia under the Old Regime.

In the exceedingly complex series of events that went into the making of the Russian Revolution and its subsequent devolution into the communist government of Felix and Vladimir, Pipes makes another foray into clarity and meaning, and succeeds wonderfully.

While this book might not interest the causal reader on Comunist Russia and her sattellites, it is as close to seamless reading as we will ever find for the ethnographer of violence in the Russian landscape.

And what the hell, it still might interest the causual reader- I guarantee you will go away with a complete picture of an important period of time.

Although as the earlier reviewer noted, the emphasis of this book is on what the founders of the Soviet Union thought of psychoanalysis, not of the opposite side of the relation, one very astute chapter makes it clear that Sigmund Freud himself believed that the Marxists were right to focus on what he called "the decisive influence which the economic circumstances of men have upon their intellectual, ethical and artistic attitudes." Also, that he thought that the Marxist view of the class struggle was a too shallow one, assigning to recent centuries conflicts that were, rather, primordial. Behind the class struggle, according to Freud, there stands the struggle between father and son, between established clan leader and rebellious challenger. In this spirit, Freud heavily criticized the Soviet Union, writing in 1932 that its leaders had made themselves "inaccessible to doubt, without feeling for the suffering of others if they stand in the way of their intentions."

This is a fantastically good book, which challenges some conventional misconceptions about both Freudianism and early Soviet communism.

I would have appreciated more material on the attitude of some of the dissident Freudians, like Reich, toward the new Soviet Union. But the emphasis is on the other side of the equation -- the way the Leninists viewed Freudianism, and the psychoanalysts within their own country.

The material is complicated, but Miller makes it as straightforward as humanly possible.

My husband and I both read this to our boys without the other knowing it. We later commented on the fact that it's our favorite fairy tale. The pictures are beautifully-illustrated and with fine details. The story itself is beautifully-written and entertaining for our little boys. It is a keeper in our collection!

The Czar orders his three sons to shoot an arrow and whoever is holding it wherever it landed will be that son's bride. The youngest got stuck with a talking frog. He was rather disappointed, but his bride wasn't who he thought she was. Because of his ineptness, he lost her and had to find her again. The basic moral of this story is true love always prevails. And it's a neat fairy tale ~~ a readaption of the ancient Russian folklore.

If you are interested in having your children learn more about different cultures and their stories, this is a good place to start. With beautiful illustrations and a lovely story, your children will be entertained just as you will be.

10-15-03

I collect fairy tales and folk tales for their illustration. This is the best book I've found for beautiful, intricate artwork

This is an entrancing account of how real Russians overcome the exigencies of daily life in present-day Russia. The author, a fluent Russian-speaker, lived for a year as just another teacher at a Moscow secondary school. Unlike other writers (cf Colin Thubron) where a travel writer or journalist bases an account an accoun on interviews, often conducted through an interpreter, Dora O'brien participated fully and was invited to share her colleagues' lives as one of them. Structured around the powerful effects of the seasons, the book provides real insights into the ups and downs of ordinary people's lives. The book is un-put-downable.

This is an entrancing account of how real Russians overcome the exigencies of daily life in present-day Russia. The author, a fluent Russian-speaker, lived for a year as just another teacher at a Moscow secondary school. Unlike other writers (cf Colin Thubron) where a travel writer or journalist bases an account an accoun on interviews, often conducted through an interpreter, Dora O'brien participated fully and was invited to share her colleagues' lives as one of them. Structured around the powerful effects of the seasons, the book provides real insights into the ups and downs of ordinary people's lives. The book is un-put-downable.

This book begins with the story of Donovan Grant, psychopathic killer and traitor, who defects to the Soviets. They, unlike other forces, welcome and use these types. The beginning chapters are filled with accurate background. You wonder how a newspaperman like Fleming acquired this knowledge. In Chapter 5 the Soviet High Command has decided to reach out and touch one of their enemies. Various targets are discussed until they decide on James Bond as the object of scandal and death. Destroying a hero will damage the morale of this Service. Bond must be lured to a foreign country where he will be killed and disgraced; the planners devise a scheme that meets their needs. The book shows Fleming's knowledge of Russian, learned before he reported on a Moscow spy trial in 1932.

James Bond is between assignments, tending to administrative matters. The Director calls him and tells of a situation in Station T concerning a Soviet code clerk and a cipher machine. Bond will accept this gambit, but wonders if it is a trap. Kerim shows Bond the sights of Istanbul. They visit a gypsy band and observe their primitive justice. Chapter 18 has plenty of action! The attackers were told to spare Bond. Who can tell why? When Bond returns to his room he finds Tanya; she tells how she will bring the cipher machine to their compartment on the Orient Express. The next day they meet for their return to England. On the train Bond suspects there is some sort of plot connected to their travel by train. But he ignores this suspicion. When Bond find Darko Kerim dead in his train compartment he realizes something is happening. But all seems well when the train reaches Italy.

Bond seems to recognize a man sent by M. Captain Nash gives the proper password and countersign. But there is something about him that doesn't ring true. Woken from sleep, Bond faces a new threat in the sleeping car. It seems almost hopeless, but Bond improvises a shield against danger. Nash's own weapon is used against him. Bond wins again, the girl and the cipher machine, and important information about Paris. Rosa Klebb is captured, her career is over. But she kicks one last time and Bond has a problem.

This story shows how Fleming has improved his writing since "Casino Royale". The popular 1965 film developed more action by not strictly following the book. I think it was better that way.

Fleming does a great job introducing us to all of the characters in this novel. Like the movie this novel allows us to see Bond as a secret agent, not a superman saving the world. A must read for all Bond Movie fans.

Colleen Coble never fails to produce wonderful stories with real life characters, tense situations and lots of faith. The theme of this one is learning to trust God with things that as a non-Christian you tried to handle alone, and realizing how very much God loves each one of us. Tatiana comes to America from a poverty-stricken life in Russia, bringing her adorable little Irina to a better life, and willingly doing whatever she feels she must to protect Irina, ignoring the fact that a loving God is just waiting to take over her burdens. The Christians in Colleen's books make enough mistakes to keep them from being "plastic", and there is a lot of life evangelism going on. Another great offering from this wonderful author!

Colleen Coble is a wonderful author and her stories come to life. I loved this book. I found myself wishing that I lived in the same town and place as Tatiana and Gabe. I loved the ending of this book and I cant wait to read another book by this author.

Dance becomes a language and language becomes a dance in Kat Corbett's exciting sequel to First-String Future. Tori tests her own wings, first as she helps heal a family's pain by becoming their lost daughter, Heather, in a brilliant dance she helps choreograph, and later by flying to Russia to visit her pen-pal, a dance student at the school of the world-famous Maryinsky Theatre Ballet. Here, the streets of St. Petersburg come alive as Tori falls in love with her new "family." Granny tells a heart-wrenching story of how she was separated from her family as a child in World War II, and Tori takes to heart the Russian adage that bread stands for all the things you need and salt for all the things to make life happy. Tori's love of animals shines alongside her love of dance, and by standing up for her convictions, she inspires others to do the same. Then, on a day of miracles, she transforms herself from a "frog princess" into a "swan princess."

What a beautiful and touching story!! This book helped me understand and appreciate how different school, ballet training, and life in general is for a teenager in Russia compared to what it is like for me here in the United States.

This is the first book from the eurohistory publishing company that I've purchased, and I have to say I was impressed. The Gilded Prism chronicles the lives of Konstantin Nikolaievich and his descendants through the last century of Romanov rule. The book starts with Konstantin Nikolaievich the family's patriarch who was the brother of Alexander II. He played a huge part in the reforms of his brother's reign and was a talented musician although his later years were frought with tragedy. Next is his wife Alexandra Iosifovna who came from Germany a young and somewhat frivolous princess to become a highly respected and imperious Grand Duchess although very conceited and self absorbed. The book then follows the lives of their children. The oldest, Nicholas, brought scandal and embarrassment to the family while the two daughters Olga and Vera became popular and beloved women in their adopted homelands. Konstantin Konstantinovich proved one of the most dutiful and charitable members of the Romanovs, but also led a secret homosexual life. Dimitri was just as dutiful as his brother and was a talened military commander and horse breeder. The youngest, Vyacheslav, who is often times forgotten because he died young, was said to be intelligent and doted on by his father. The book also chronicles the descendants of Nicholas and Konstantin Konstantinovich who led equally interesting lives themselves. I give the book five stars because it gives much detail and information on this branch of the Roamnov family. The Konstantinovichi were an artistically talented, highly intelligent, dutiful, and charitable family at a time when most Romanovs were known for being callously decadent and lacking in intelligence as well as concern for the common people. It is refreshing to read a novel that isn't completely devoted to the overdone subject of Nicholas II and Alexandra. The one sore point I found with this book is that there isn't as much info on Olga and Vera like there was on their brothers, but the title does say The Konstantinovichi Grand Dukes & the Last Years of the Romanov Dyansty and not the Grand Duchesses so I guess it's to be expected. The most interesting part of the book was the story of how Nicholas and his American mistress Fanny Lear (just one of her names I might add), got embroiled in a scandal that led to his exile and being nearly forgotten by the rest of the family. The book also analyzes the nature of Konstantin Konstantinovich's homosexuality. It also contains three sections of photos, many I've never seen before, several family trees, and even features some of Konstantin Konstantinovich's poems, which are full of emotional and artistic depth. The book is relatively short but the wealth of information and photos proves the age old saying it's quality over quantity. I was thoroughly impressed and will definitely purchase more books from eurohistory in the future.

This is an excellent book. Once again Greg King and Penny Wilson have done an outstanding job. There are many wonderful photos as well as information on the family of Grand Duke Konstantine Konstantinovich and his nine tragic children. Bring on Guilded Prism II. Thank you for a great book.

Ruth Sanderson is the author and illustrator of this beautiful book. She is a wonderful painter and her talent really shows in this book. The story Ms. Sanderson has retold is actually taken from a few Russian fairy tales. It is a delightful read and young children will be glued to the pictures and the story. I brought Ms. Sanderson to my children's school for an author visit and she shared with the kids the process of how she illustrates her books. There is so much work behind her books, or any book for that matter, and it gave everyone a greater appreciation of the time and talent involved.
A. D. Tarbox, author of ALREADY ASLEEP (Oct. 2006)

This work in a combination of old Russian tales retold by the author. They will be quite familiar to readers of such. They are certainly no worse for the wear in this retelling though as the author has done a wonderful job. The tales are the typical quest type, my favoriet genre. The real magic of this book though are the wonderful illustrations. The detail is almost magical and the colors are absolutely dazzling. I could pontificate somewhat in comparing comparing her work with other authors, but this is an absolute silly excercise as each artist should be judge on their own works and not those of others. I liked this work. The kids I read it to like it. It is informative, fun and a delight to see. What more could you want?

i recieve this book as a gift ,give to another friend who loves anything about Romanov's.you get information about grandduchesses who were not well know.the storys will have you to the point you can't put this book down.

Obviously the contributors are knowledgeable individuals chosen to work in areas of their expetise. A book on this subject was long over due. I think other readers will be amazed at the high quality of writing and researched details that went into this book. A repetoire of little known facts about the lives of most of these Grand Duchesses (20 or so) that have never been published elsewhere before. The readers will be enthalled by the stories and left wanting for more. I recommend it highly and for me it will prove a good book for references.