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Russia

Myths and Realities
3.77 goodreads logo

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( 256 ratings, 40 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Russia by Sir Rodric Braithwaite offers a sweeping narrative of Russian history, blending detailed analysis with vivid storytelling. The book delves into Russia's complex past, exploring its cultural and political transformations over centuries, from the early Russian state to its evolution into a modern nation. It provides insights into how historical events continue to shape the country's contemporary identity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This engaging and detailed exploration presents a compelling narrative for those interested in understanding Russia's complex history and its role in global affairs. Written by a seasoned diplomat, the book provides insightful analysis and vivid storytelling, offering both historical context and contemporary perspectives that will captivate history enthusiasts and anyone keen on geopolitical dynamics.

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A short and pithy introduction to the history of Russia as we know it today

A short and pithy introduction to the history of Russia as we know it today

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Wise and thorough - The Spectator

Brisk and readable ... very valuable - Financial Times

He is an engaging guide ... and writes with the same flair demonstrated in his previous bestseller Afgantsy - The Sunday Telegraph

A scholarly yet highly readable gallop through the last 1000 years of Russian history ... To understand this tormented nation, you can do no better than read this illuminating portrait - Jonathan Dimbleby

Russia is the largest country in the world, with the largest arsenal of nuclear weapons. Over a thousand years, this multifaceted nation of shifting borders has been known as Rus, Muscovy, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. Thirty years ago, it was reinvented as the Russian Federation.

Russia is not an enigma, but its past is violent, tragic, sometimes glorious, and certainly complicated. Like the rest of us, the Russians constantly rewrite their history. They too omit episodes of national disgrace in favour of patriotic anecdotes, sometimes more rooted in myth than reality.

Expert and former ambassador Rodric Braithwaite unpicks fact from fiction to discover what lies at the root of the Russian story.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Russia by Sir Rodric Braithwaite is praised for its scholarly yet accessible narrative, providing a full sweep of Russian history over the past millennium. The book is described as judiciously opinionated and valuable for those seeking nuanced insights into Russia's complex past and present. Braithwaite's expertise and personal experience render his account both thorough and engaging, showing sympathy for Russian culture and people while illuminating the country's turbulent journey to the present day.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781800811898

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 February 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Illustration: Approx 5 maps, integrated

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 225g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Rodric Braithwaite was British Ambassador to Moscow during the crucial years of 1988-92. Subsequently he was foreign policy advisor to John Major. His books include the highly praised and bestselling Afgantsy and Moscow 1941. He lives in London.

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