A Concise History of Russia

By: Paul Bushkovitch

Narrated by: Adam Barr

Accessible to students, tourists, and general listeners alike, this book provides a broad overview of Russian history since the ninth century.

Paul Bushkovitch emphasizes the enormous changes in the understanding of Russian history resulting from the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then, new material has come to light on the history of the Soviet era, providing new conceptions of Russia's pre-revolutionary past. The book traces not only the political history of Russia, but also developments in its literature, art, and science. Bushkovitch describes well-known cultural figures, such as Chekhov, Tolstoy, and Mendeleev in their institutional and historical contexts. Though the 1917 revolution, the resulting Soviet system, and the Cold War were a crucial part of Russian and world history, Bushkovitch presents earlier developments as more than just a prelude to Bolshevik power.

©2012 Paul Bushkovitch (P)2022 Tantor

Impressive and highly engaging

I decided to learn more about Russian history after coming across some light podcast episodes about it’s history and folk tales surrounding nobility. Little did I know I was to fall in love with this ancient and culturally rich country.

Russia has been kept hidden from the western world, I’m not sure if due to stain communism still has today, or due to the fear of having such an empire raise again to shadow the current hegemonic powers of the world. But it sure is worth to learn about it’s history and legacy for anyone who wants to understand the world of the XXI century.

Not really knowing about this country it was a bit hard to sift through the number of books Amazon has to offer, looking for a view not politically tainted and straightforward enough not to be bored halfway through it. I chose this one because of the title and the very good reviews it had.

I’m not disappointed at all by it, honestly, because it lived up to expectations. It is concise, broad in its coverage, focused on the average reader, and lightly paced to keep engagement. This obviously means it doesn’t go into many details on each period, but leaves the reader interested enough to look further on certain events or moments of history that caught attention. I highly recommend it.

Very neutral, good research

This is the very first book I’ve read on Russian history based on recorded events and multiple sources that helped understand the Russian peoples, their culture, and their history without the bombardment of Western or communist propaganda. Very well narrated.

Great Work

Concise as promised as well as fair and balanced. Entertaining as well. Praise to the author

Exhaustive history

Definitely worth reading. Needs volume 2 to update the very late history. Excellent all around.

First rate

Very solid. No nonsense. Fine narration. I will seek more titles in the Concise History series.