Larger in area than the United States and Europe combined; Siberia is a land of extremes; not merely in terms of climate and expanse; but in the many kinds of lives its population has led over the course of four centuries. Janet M. Hartley explores the history of this vast Russian wasteland—whose very name is a common euphemism for remote bleakness and exile—through the lives of the people who settled there; either willingly; desperately; or as prisoners condemned to exile or forced labor in mines or the gulag.From the Cossack adventurers’ first incursions into “Sibir†in the late sixteenth century to the exiled criminals and political prisoners of the Soviet era to present-day impoverished Russians and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in the oil-rich north; Hartley’s comprehensive history offers a vibrant; profoundly human account of Siberia’s development. One of the world’s most inhospitable regions is humanized through personal narratives and colorful case studies as ordinary—and extraordinary—everyday life in “the nothingness†is presented in rich and fascinating detail.
#1042910 in Books 2009-05-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .60 x 5.40l; .45 #File Name: 0300151284176 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent introduction to the genetics of Jewish ancestry for the lay reader.By ShadowreaderAn excellent introduction to Jewish Genetics; this book is readily understood by lay readers without any scientific background. The author weaves an engaging personal narrative as he recounts his own scientific research; and explains what recent molecular genetic studies has revealed about the relations and history of the Jewish people. He discusses how genetics complements; but does not replace; traditional history and archaeology. It is important to note that the author has been involved in this work himself (with colleagues) and is intimately acquainted with the conclusions and how far they can be carried and (just as importantly) the limitations of the research and what conclusions should not be drawn. While the author is himself Jewish; and there are references to Jewish and Biblical history; he maintains a professional; scientific approach to the data. The book includes some notes and a solid bibliography; mostly relating to Jewish history rather than biology.Topics include: research and discoveries involving the Y-chromosome showing high conservation among Cohanim; the Lemba; mitochondrial (female) inheritance and discussion of atypical patterns; genetic bottlenecks and what these might imply; discussion of anomalous Levite patterns; he discusses but does not resolve the contentious Khazari issue.Readers with strong background in biology/ genetics may find it limited in detail. Personally; I would have liked to see more detail about the alleles studied; but realize that is not appropriate for the broad audience the author is trying to reach. Scientific publications and references would also be helpful. After several years; some of these papers may no longer be behind a paywall.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Clear Exposition of Some Topics in Jewish Genetic HistoryBy Anne MillsAn interesting study of various topics in Jewish genetics; by a geneticist who was centrally involved in the research that underlies the book. First; it examines genetic evidence suggesting that a specific group of modern-day Jews (those identifying themselves as of priestly decent; many named Cohen or some variant therof) are in fact descended directly from the priests of ancient Israel. Second; he shows that there is indeed genetic evidence of Jewish descent for an African tribe whose legends claim such descent. Finally; he looks at the claim that a study of "Jewish diseases" like Tay-Sachs showed that Jews have genetic predisposition to high intelligence. This evidence he does not find convincing; arguing that there are several other possible explanations for Jewish intellectual achievement; and that much more study is needed. One of the virtues of this book is that it discusses what genetics cannot (at present) tell us; as well as at what it can. Another is that the book presents a clear exposition of how geneticists trace lines of descent -- material which at least one lay reader needs to have explained again and again. The weakness of the book -- it's a less than gripping read -- is the result of its virtues: it is a carefully scientific piece.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read!By CiceroGreat read! Highly recommended in case you are curious as to whether the the current Israeli's; living in Israel; are really the Jews/Hebrews of old.
