{"title":"Gregory Afinogenov","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our collection featuring the works of Gregory Afinogenov, a prominent historian with a keen focus on Russia during the early modern period. Known for his meticulous research and engaging narrative style, Afinogenov provides readers with a unique lens through which to explore the complex interplay of espionage, politics, and academia in historical contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eSpies and Scholars\u003c\/em\u003e, one of the standout titles in this collection, Afinogenov delves into the fascinating world of 18th-century Russian intelligence operations. This book takes you on a journey through the corridors of power, revealing how espionage shaped diplomatic strategies and political decisions. His insightful analysis unveils the often clandestine roles that scholars played in intelligence missions, weaving a compelling tapestry of intrigue and scholarship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're an avid history enthusiast or exploring the genre for the first time, Gregory Afinogenov’s works provide a captivating look at seldom-discussed aspects of Russian history. Perfect for those intrigued by the intricate dance between war and intelligence, these books will enrich your understanding of military history and its enduring impact on the modern world.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"spies-and-scholars-by-gregory-afinogenov-9780674294035","title":"Spies and Scholars","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA \u003ci\u003eFinancial Times\u003c\/i\u003e Book of the Year\u003cbr\u003eGold Medal in World History, Independent Publisher Book Awards\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Superb. At once a history of science, of empire, and of espionage, the book traces the rise of the Russian empire as a putative rival to Qing dynasty China in the Far East. Afinogenov has chosen a genuinely compelling cast of characters to populate this story of imperial intrigue.\" - \u003ci\u003eNew Rambler\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"The history of Sino-Russian relations appears in a much-altered light thanks to Gregory Afinogenov's impressive new book. It is a little-known story, and [he] tells it beautifully.\" - Tony Barber, \u003ci\u003eFinancial Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Reads like a detective novel, a tour de force that offers new information about the rise of empires and the globalization of the world.\" - \u003ci\u003eJournal of Jesuit Studies\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning in the seventeenth century, Russian officials made a concerted effort to collect information about the Qing dynasty in China. From diplomatic missions in the Forbidden City to remote outposts on the border, Russian spies and scholars collected trade secrets, recipes for porcelain, and gossip about the country and its leaders—but the information was secret, not destined for wide circulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFocused at first on the Siberian frontier, tsarist bureaucrats relied on spies, some of whom were Jesuit scholars stationed in China. When their attention shifted to Europe in the nineteenth century, they turned to more public-facing means to generate knowledge, including diplomatic and academic worlds, which would ultimately inform the broader encounter between China and Western empires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePeopled with a colourful cast of characters and based on extensive archival research in Russia and beyond, \u003ci\u003eSpies and Scholars\u003c\/i\u003e is a dramatic tale of covert machinations that breaks down long-accepted assumptions about the connection between knowledge and imperial power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000748359916,"sku":"9780674294035","price":71.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/1442233482428.jpg?v=1763301985"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/gregory-afinogenov.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}