The security services have played a central—and often mysterious—role at key turning points in Russia during the tumultuous years following the Soviet collapse: from the Moscow apartment house bombings and theater siege; to the war in Chechnya and the Beslan school massacre. In this riveting investigation; two intrepid journalists penetrate the secret world of the FSB and illustrate how the security services have evolved into a ruthless; violently powerful force that is inextricably woven into modern Russia's fundamental makeup; and has become more shadowy than its predecessor; the Soviet KGB.
#261803 in Books Bloomsbury USA 2009-10-27 2009-10-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .43 x 1.21 x 9.53l; 3.30 #File Name: 1608190072240 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Fabulous photos make the bookBy L. A. WalkerIn January 2012; I stumbled upon the most marvellous collection of photographs from the early era of Antarctic exploration online. These silver bromide photos were shown at their best glowing on screen and absolutely took my breath away with their beauty as photographs and also as a record of what it was like to be there. It took me a while to find this book; which contains many of these wonderful photos - a paperback version was sold at the exhibition - and I was rewarded with so much more. It is so well written and informative; even to those of us who think we know these stories by heart.The title of this book is from the book written later by one of these photographers; Herbert Ponting and is so apt for introducing us to this frozen wilderness. It is well captured both in the photos and also by David Hempleman-Adams in his text.I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Antarctic adventures of one hundred years ago; written by a man who has been there himself. With the generous help of the Royal Collection of photos and mementos; he has fleshed out a most interesting book. But also I recommend it for those wonderful photos at the heart of the book to anyone with a love of beauty.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful; historic photosBy Herman MelvilleThis is a nice; large book with excellent reproductions of famous photos taken on the Scott and Shackleton Antarctic expeditions. Several of the photos are enlarged so that you can really see details; for instance; the crestfallen and doomed look on Scott's face in the famous photo of the Polar party after discovering that Amundsen has beaten them. There are numerous photos in this collection that I have never before seen; and I have read nearly 20 books on South Polar voyages. Moreover; there are photos of the Union Jacks that Scott and Shackleton carried with them; the telegram that Shackleton sent to the King of England after achieving the Furthest South; copies of the South Polar Times; and other interesting memorabilia. Most poignantly; perhaps; there are reproductions of two sketches done by Dr. Wilson of the black flags that Amundsen's party erected to encircle the pole and to show Scott they had beaten him.The only drawback to this excellent book is the text; some of which is written by a modern explorer who cannot stop intruding himself into the story; and other articles that do not contribute much. Buy this book for the photos; not the text.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Incredible Photos Taken and Preserved Under Horrible ConditionsBy T. AmbroseThe selection of Antarctic photos; and over-sized reproductions; is marvelous. One can't help but marvel at the quality of the photographs; taken with rather primitive technology and somehow preserved under incredible conditions. For anyone interested in the expeditions and their photographers; a wonderful volume.
