ePub Red Fortress: History and Illusion in the Kremlin by Catherine Merridale in History

Review

59 of 62 people found the following review helpful. DisappointedBy Thomas ReiterI bought this book after reading several glowing reviews. I live in Moscow very near the Kremlin; so expected to learn many interesting facts about the place.Unfortunately; in this I was disappointed. My main gripes:1) at least in the kindle version; there are virtually no maps or pictures (other than on illegible map of the kremlin at the beginning). At least half the book (more on that later) consists of descriptions of the features; locations; and appearance of the Kremlin and many of the buildings constructed within it; but all of that is left to our imagination; and there are no pictures; drawings; etc. to illustrate what the author is talking about. It is possible that the print version has these illustrations; and if so; this criticism would not apply to it.2) In addition to a history of the Kremlin; the book presents a rather episodic and uneven history of Russia. While this is unavoidable to a certain extent; much of this content really has nothing to do with the Kremlin and seems to have been inserted as a sort of primer on Russian history; in which role it falls short. In my view; much of this material should have either been excluded altogether or expanded to be more comprehensive.3) I walk through Red Square on an almost daily basis; but after reading this book don't feel that I have any better understanding of the various buildings on the square. What's the story behind the construction of GUM; the massive department store opposite the Kremlin on Red Square? Not addressed... Similarly; what renovations have been done to the various towers over the centuries; and what specific role have they played; what significant events have occurred in them? Addressed; sort of; but not in a very user-friendly or comprehensive way. Maybe I was expecting something more like a tour guide on steroids; but this book is not it.4) a good portion of the book is dedicated to arcane religious issues and disputes. While I fully expected this; and indeed it is pretty much unavoidable when writing a history of the Kremlin; I found these sections extremely tedious. This is not a criticism of the author--you can only make some issues so interesting--but I did want to point it out to other potential readers.To be fair; this is not a bad book as long as people come into it with the right expectations ; so for that reason I've tried to be pretty specific about why I didn't care much for it; so that other readers can make their own judgments.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Understanding the Present Through Knowing the PastBy John R. HoagI bought this book because of the very positive review in the New York Times. I'm glad I did. Lucid; engaging; and relevant in today's world; in spite of having an essentially historical nature. Professor Merridale's exposition of the past -- the Kremlin as place and symbol -- has much to say about the present. While Russians instinctively feel part of the "European family;" they are also instinctively distant cousins at best who make the rest uncomfortable with their very different world view. Much of what we see today; and the relationship between Russians and their leader flows directly from the historical self-image explained in Red Fortress. It's not a page-turner; and the illustrations lack a lot when read on a e-reader; but the book is well worth the reader's investment of time and intellect. I've recommended it to lots of friends who must deal with Russia professionally; and they have been united in agreeing about the book's value.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book. Amazing researchBy berkeley69Great book. Amazing research. No illustrations; maps or floor plans in the kindle edition - a shame. That's why four stars.