Russian History : A Very Short Introduction

Author(s): Hosking, Geoffrey (Emeritus Professor of Russian History, University College London),
Binding: Paperback,
Date of Publication: 29/03/2012,
Pagination: 176 pages, 15 black and white illustrations,
Series: Very Short Introductions,
Imprint: Oxford University Press,
Published By: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS ,
Book Classification: Regional & national history
Dimensions: 173 x 114 x 9mm
Weight: 158g
ISBN13\EAN\SKU: 9780199580989

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Spanning the divide between Europe and Asia, Russia is a multi-ethnic empire with a huge territory, strategically placed and abundantly provided with natural resources. But Russia's territory has a harsh climate, is cut off from most maritime contact with the outside world, and has open and vulnerable land frontiers. It has therefore had to devote much of its wealth to the armed forces, and the sheer size of the empire has made it difficult to mobilise resources and to govern effectively, especially given the diversity of its people. In this Very Short Introduction, Geoffrey Hosking discusses all aspects of Russian history, from the struggle by the state to control society, the transformation of the empire into a multi-ethnic empire, Russia's relationship with the West/Europe, the Soviet experience, and the post-Soviet era. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.