This book is a collection of 12 essays looking at touchstones of Russian popular culture; mostly from the Soviet period; that continue to resonate through language; images; and ways of seeing the world in Russia today. These include films: The Irony of Fate; Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears; White Sun of the Desert; Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson; a novel: The Twelve Chairs; animated cartoons: Hedgehog in the Mist and The Prostokvashino Three; the writer Mikhail Bulgakov; the singer-songwriter Vladimir Vysotsky; stand-up comedians Mikhail Zhvanestky and Mikhail Zadornov; and a character from a fairy tale; Yemelya the Simpleton. The subjects of the chapters were selected for their influence on Russian language and thinking; and also because they reflect Russian attitudes and perceptions. The author brings them to life through her own experiences of; and responses to; these modern icons. This book; though invaluable for students of Russian; is for everyone interested in Russian language and culture; and explains why certain references and attitudes continue to permeate everyday life. Olga Fedina grew up in Moscow in the turbulent late-Soviet and immediately post-Soviet years; graduating from the Department of Journalism of Moscow State University. She subsequently lived for a decade in London and is currently based in Valencia; Spain. She sometimes misses her homeland; and this book expresses some of the unique aspects of Russia and the Russians that she always carries with her.
#313857 in Books Commonwealth Editions 2004-02-14Format: UnabridgedOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .28 x 6.00l; .52 #File Name: 1889833479128 pagesISBN13: 9781889833477Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book on Boston's history.By OldretireeReally fine book that accompanied a free online class on the History of Boston. It was comprehensive and blended very well with the course content online. I will keep this book.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Concise summation of Boston perfect for a quick overviewBy Lauren MagnussenI was looking for a book on the history of Boston in preparation for a last-minute leisure trip to the city. This was the only book I could find that had the city's history stretching from its origins all the way to present day. And in that sense; it was perfect. I found myself recalling facts and information while I walked the streets; and was able to recognize the history behind street names and monuments that I never would have grasped had I not read this. The tangential anecdotes and character profiles fill out the gaps in the narrative and the same amount of space was given to religion; politics; culture; and nature. It never felt as if one subject was being treated with a greater emphasis than another. A few reasonable gripes prevent me from giving this book a full five stars. For one; it is heavily illustrated yet the pictures seemed ill-chosen and didn't really add much to the text. Also; it would have been nice to have several extra pages devoted to contemporary Boston; as a lot of the historical areas have been demolished over time. A little bit more political and social history from the last 20 or so years would have been crucial to my understanding of Boston. Nevertheless; "A Short History of Boston" adheres completely to its title and will definitely enhance your visit; especially if you don't have the time to read more; as in my case.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A great review of Boston historyBy J WongThis book is easy to read and gives; as the title says; a short history of Boston. Just enough information to satisfy one's curiosity or whet it for more information. After I got this book; an online course presented by the author became available. I read the book in conjunction with the course's videos and other references. The course and the book complement each other.
