The Russian Revolution had a decisive impact on the history of the twentieth century. Now; following the collapse of the Soviet regime and the opening of its archives; it is possible to step back and see the full picture of this event for the first time. Impeccable in its scholarship and objectivity; this superb volume tells the gripping story of a Marxist revolution that was intended to transform the world; but instead visited enormous suffering on the Russian people; and; like the French Revolution before it; ended up devouring its own children. The author offers insightful descriptions of the February and October Revolutions of 1917; the Civil War; the interlude of NEP; Stalin's "revolution from above;" the various Five-Year Plans; and the Great Purges--all treated as discrete episodes in a twenty-year process of revolution. The book incorporates data from archives that were previously inaccessible not only to Western but also to Soviet historians; as well as drawing on important recent Russian publications such as the memoirs of one of the great survivors of Soviet politics; Vyacheslav Molotov. In the Select Bibliography; the author highlights the most important of the recent scholarly works; directing readers to the burgeoning Western scholarship on the Russian Revolution in the last ten to fifteen years.Shelia Fitzpatrick is an internationally known expert on Soviet history. This lively and readable Third Edition uses newly available Soviet archival material and the latest Russian and Western research to provide an authoritative; compact account of one of the key events of modern history.
#2443823 in Books Carol Harrison 2000-07-27Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.40 x .60 x 8.40l; .71 #File Name: 0198752199264 pagesAugustine Christian Truth and Fractured Humanity
Review
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful. St. Augustine and his TimesBy A CustomerIt is said that if anyone claims to have read all of Augustine; he is a liar. Certainly; given the sheer amount of written works by Augustine; some even found recently; this is a reasonable phrase. But Coral Harrison comes very close to proving this phrase wrong.In this exceptionally well-written text; Harrison outlines the major threads in Augustine's thought; seeing them in the context of his life and his times. Along with this; she clearly has a good grasp on the veritable ocean of secondary literature on Augustine.For those not familiar with St. Augustine's theology and philosophy; this is an excellent introduction to the bishop of Hippo Regius. For those who are familiar with Augustine; or even specialize in him; this is still a helpful text. As Augustine's thought goes both far and wide; Harrison illustrates the connections between them; as well as helping the experienced reader see elements of Augustine's thought that he/she may not be familiar with.As a warning; though - one should not take this text as exhaustive. So; for instance; on Augustine's political theory and views on coercion; Harrison gives some pages to this; but only hinting at its complexity. Certainly; this says nothing bad about her book - one can't address everything in 220 pages. But it is a caution.One other note. One sees; at times; "context" used in as a codeword for "postmodern" or the like. Thankfully; this book is spared that nonsense. Harrison's book is solid; well-versed in primary and secondary literature; and not pedantic. Highly recommended.
