The Wit and Wisdom of Vladimir Putin Book Review
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If yous want specifics and in depth analysis of events, this is not the book for y'all. However, if you desire to want to familiarize yourself generally with Russian history with guidance towards further reading,
Mark Galeotti's A Short History of Russian federation: How the Globe's Largest Country Invented Itself, From the Pagans to Putin is exactly what it states—a curt history. Galeotti somehow manages to boil downwards Russian history from before it was Russia to present-day Putin's Russia into a coherent book.If you want specifics and in depth analysis of events, this is not the book for yous. Nevertheless, if y'all desire to desire to familiarize yourself generally with Russian history with guidance towards further reading, Galeotti's Short History will be fine. The writer compares Russian federation to a palimpsest, a certificate that is used over and over once more, written on and rewritten, however earlier writings tin can yet exist deciphered. Russian federation, says Galeotti, is a palimpsest. Time and again, its leaders write over Russia's past failures and highlight its victories to redefine the land in whichever way the electric current leaders want. Russia struggles to define itself—is it Asian? Is information technology European? What does beingness Russian mean?
A Brusk History of Russia isn't an extraordinary book; however, information technology'due south concise with well-written, somewhat humorous prose. Galeotti follows his theme of Russia as a palimpsest nation, a country struggling to define itself, throughout. Each chapter ends with several suggestions of further reading, with brief commentary virtually each proposition. Due to Russia's increasing presence in American lives, I wanted to know more nigh the land. I constitute the book helpful in giving me a skillful summary of historical events which shaped Russia'south past and continues to affect its nowadays. The last few chapters deal with the break-up of the USSR and the ascent of Putin, events I am well-nigh interested in.
I recommend this volume if you're generally interested in Russian federation only experience overwhelmed every bit where to start reading. Galeotti'south reading suggestions virtually specific time periods are helpful.
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"In 1604, a pretender claiming to be Dmitry, Feodor's half brother, who'd actually died in 1591, led a Smoothen-backed attempt to seize the throne, and Russians, excited by the thought that peradventure
I know the title says a SHORT history, but I wanted more. I would especially dear to learn more about the content in chapters 5-8 (really happy that the writer included a section of farther reading at the end of each chapter). This book is written in an bookish style, merely I plant it extremely interesting!"In 1604, a pretender claiming to be Dmitry, Feodor's half brother, who'd really died in 1591, led a Polish-backed attempt to seize the throne, and Russians, excited by the thought that peradventure the Rurikid dynasty had survived, flocked to his ranks. Fake news was already destabilizing governments in the 16th Century."
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This book builds on from its introductory thesis that can be summarised from an former Soviet proverb describing Russia'south futurity equally "sure; it is merely the past that is unpredictable"
This incredibly accessible take on Russian history is simply merely an introduction to a wealth of history, bias and propaganda from all sides. Then I am reluctant to make whatever conclusions from it.
What I can t
In lite of the recent disharmonize and my ever increasing fuel nib, I thought it prudent to read up on the "other side."This book builds on from its introductory thesis that can exist summarised from an old Soviet proverb describing Russian federation's future as "sure; it is simply the past that is unpredictable"
This incredibly accessible take on Russian history is only but an introduction to a wealth of history, bias and propaganda from all sides. Then I am reluctant to make any conclusions from it.
What I can accept from this volume is that Russian federation's size has been its limiting factor in regards to modernisation.
Stretching across continents and cultures, fighting battles on every side to define its ain identity. Russia needed more people per square mile to develop or to split into united still competing cultures as the Eu and USA.
Coveting the lifestyles of the smaller nations of Europe, that all had (comparatively) footling space to shape an identity out of (and were greatly helped by the reformation). Russian federation had to practise what it could with the people and man power it had, lending to a culture of mass oppression of the working classes.
Today'southward difficulties are a return to the status quo with Russia. We have been blessed with a thirty year interruption of conflict. We volition see what the futurity holds.
Back to normal- life is hard!
The author gives wonderful recommendations to wider reading.
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I don't fault the volume for its brevity; that is, after all, what I was purchasing. If there is a error to exist had, it's that this book dilutes the unabridged history of Russia downwards to a history of its wars, conflicts, and leade
A brief, entertaining, and largely informative history of Russian federation, loaded with information I had non previously known. Galeotti does an first-class task of sifting through swaths of history to offer something readable, delivering more than 1,000 years of history in about 200 pages.I don't fault the book for its brevity; that is, afterward all, what I was purchasing. If there is a fault to be had, it'south that this book dilutes the unabridged history of Russia downwardly to a history of its wars, conflicts, and leaders, a fault made often in history books. Little in this book is said about the life and culture of normal people, and almost nothing is said about the fine art, which is foreign, because that Russia's literature, specially in the 19th century, is considered amidst the greatest literary culture beyond the world stage in the unabridged history of the medium.
If one wants to know almost wars and exchanges of leadership, in other words: a history of Russia's conflicts and powerful people - then this is your book. If past "history" you're expecting to learn well-nigh culture, art, and normal people, you won't discover information technology here. Having said that, it is a very helpful book for what it offers, and I learned a lot while reading it.
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Another matter that bothered me was that every chapter begins with the legacy of a famous person of a specific catamenia, just that it that way sometimes bankrupt off the chronology, which resulted in confusion sometimes.
The before chapters were more interesting to read, since they sometimes discuss things regarding heritage, for example how some Ukrainans view Russians every bit a kind of Ukrainian off-leap and how some Russians feel that Ukraine is inherently office of Russian federation. Another great example is whether Rurik was indeed a Swede that ruled as the first sovereign or non. It is also interesting when the writer discusses how history and identity are intertwined and how Russia is (dis)connected to Europe through the ages. However, I would not recommend other to read it. I would recommend others to see if they are interested in a particular period and so read a book almost that specific period or I would recommend to buy a larger history of Russia.
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Thoughts: This book was recommended to me past a skilled colleague whom I will forever admire. However, if you are, similar myself, t
Synopsis: Galeotti gives a brief overview on the history of Russia. Detailing feuds that turned into wars between brothers and regional disputes and neighbouring battles over the centuries. He speaks of the events that isolated Russian federation from the rest of Europe, subsequently leading to differing cultural and religious practices - resulting in the nation State we see today.Thoughts: This book was recommended to me past a skilled colleague whom I will forever admire. However, if y'all are, like myself, trying to empathize the current state of affairs regarding the Russian and Ukraine War, this is quite far removed. Bulk of the volume details the principalities of Russia and its relations over the last few centuries. Whilst I enjoyed reading virtually Ivan the Terrible and his empires decay, it didn't thrill me plenty. The last few chapters, which explore Marxist credo and Putin'south way of dominion are far more useful. At this bespeak (5th chapter) the book finally begins nudging recent events assuasive an oblivious reader like myself to make sense of it all. It would have been better to have more maps highlighting the expansion and erosion of the empire throughout the book, but I think this may have added an excess of far too many pages. Unexpectedly, I did gain a stronger sense of what physical and mental qualities distinguish a good leader for a bad ane. If one desired, they could utilise this data to advance their position in the world. Side by side I'll be reading Galeotti's "We Demand To Talk Nearly Putin" so I'm hoping this volition provide the context I need to aid my juvenile analysis on the new born invasion.
Favourite quote: He had struggled for power, simply once he had it, he seemed uninterested in many aspects of dominion, instead indulging himself in the duties that pleased him, neglecting those that did not.
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However, admirably Mr Galeotti managed to condense all of Russian history into i slim volume. This book was engaging, easy to read, interesting and at several times witty and humorous.
I am no expert in Russian history, but it greatly interests me and this was a vivid introduction to its 'palimpsest' past. Would definitely recommend!
Well...no modern nation comes to mind. And maybe that shows how much this fundamental allegory is actually useless for actually
It does what it promises - delivers a brusque and working history of Russia. However, while strong and well informed especially in the later stages, it is very difficult to utilise the model of "palimpset people" at whatever value. Sure, sounds cool and meaningful, but than again: is there a single nation that could _not_ be described this fashion? Is there someone who escapes this definition?Well...no modern nation comes to mind. And perhaps that shows how much this key allegory is really useless for really learning about Russia.
But apart from these philosophical squabbles, sure worth a read. Concise, on point and with imho great choice of the pivotal moments.
I read information technology because I though a good primer similar this would help me understand nowadays day Russia, and the westward
Information technology's literally impossible to write a short history of Russian federation'southward 1300+ years: it is or has been an empire, a Union, and the land of tsars, infant and/or doomed emperors who ruled for less than two weeks. Eleven time zones, 1/8th of the earth'south inhabited land mass…an impossible feat!! Just Galeotti gives it a good shot, distilling this ever-irresolute palimpsest like a fine bottle of Stolichnaya.I read it because I though a good primer similar this would assistance me understand nowadays day Russia, and the wild history which may be driving Putin, and what may exist motivating the Ukrainian people to dig in.
I listened to the audiobook considering I actually could not easily find the print version merely I definitely would have preferred print to help me to sort through this concise yet nevertheless bewildering recitation of Russian places and names. Each affiliate offered further reading recommendations which is cool.
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Galeotti is strong on myth-busting (all nations utilise their versions of their history to embellish their present, and Russia is no exception, every bit he states), and on showing how many of the challenges Russia faces (due south
For those who enjoy listening to Mark Galeotti's podcasts and many interviews on contemporary Russian politics, it volition come as no surprise that this (indeed very short) history of Russia contains his trademark wit and humor whilst also getting to the crux of the key themes of each era.Galeotti is strong on myth-busting (all nations use their versions of their history to embellish their present, and Russia is no exception, as he states), and on showing how many of the challenges Russia faces (such every bit size, threats from abroad both existent and perceived, the struggles of a centralized system to reform itself from in a higher place and the society from below) remain consistent throughout its history.
In the context of the modern vision of Russia's current President as a dastardly Machiavelli, always one movement alee on the chess board, and in the face of the largely sycophantic coverage seen in Russian state media, he also has a nice section at the end to, as he puts in, "put Putin in his place."
In case whatever of the chapters inspire you, each one is followed by a few suggestions of other popular history books for farther reading.
All in all, a very worthwhile weekend read even for those who have read a fair corporeality of Russian history already, and for those who have not, an excellent place to starting time.
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A Short History of Russia is indeed...a short history of Russian federation. Mission achieved. It'south a quick read and a relatively breezy one, as far as a volume that spans a millennium and that includes such an expansive cast of historical figures can be. The volume feels quite well-balanced betwe
I've enjoyed Galeotti'due south appearances on a number of strange policy and current affairs podcasts, so it was a no-brainer to listen to a short audiobook narrated by the writer in his chipper simply proper English manner.A Short History of Russia is indeed...a short history of Russia. Mission achieved. It'southward a quick read and a relatively informal one, as far every bit a book that spans a millennium and that includes such an expansive bandage of historical figures can be. The book feels quite well-balanced betwixt the diverse eras of Russian history, and I was impressed by Galeotti's handling of the mail-USSR period. It's relatively brief and feels measured rather than alarmist. Galeotti challenges the reader to consider Putin (and his actions in Chechnya, Georgia, Ukraine, etc.) with a historical perspective, both in terms of the telescopic, nature, and efficacy of the changes he has fabricated and in comparison to the nearly incomprehensible body counts associated with Russian and Soviet rulers past.
Although the Middle Ages starting signal makes a lot of sense narratively, I enjoyed his approach and tone enough that I would accept liked the volume to be a niggling less curt and a niggling broader however in scope.
...more than Russia spans many regions, people, ethnicities and religions with porous borders, because of this central leaders were frequently paranoid of losing control over its people and borders.
A common theme in Russian politics is a tension bet
Russia originated from the Rurik Dynasty who were Varangian's (vikings, likely to be Sweden). The Rurik Dynasty was centred around Kyiv (Kiev) and fragmented beyond Slavic and also Tatar regions and ethnicities. Trade with Constantinople and Byzantine were established.Russia spans many regions, people, ethnicities and religions with porous borders, considering of this cardinal leaders were frequently paranoid of losing control over its people and borders.
A mutual theme in Russian politics is a tension betwixt modernisation and maintaining political command and stability. In many cases a tsar would push for modernisation leading to a backlash from the boyars/landowners (elite) or a push button from the peasantry to gain more than freedoms, this would lead to the adjacent tsar tightening control, oftentimes through violence and terror.
For example, despite bringing the emancipation of serfs, just days later Alexander 2 was assassinated, he had further plans for reform which were conservative but brought greater relative freedom, in response to the assassination his successor, Alexander III, responded with greater autocracy, civil liberties were suppressed...
In more modern times this can exist illustrated by Gorbachev's attempts to reform such as glasnost (openness) which eventually unveiled the lies, corruption, inefficiencies of the myths the communist political party disseminated to maintain stability, eventually resulting in a modern 'Fourth dimension of Troubles' and Boris Yeltsin with petty vision in rebuilding the state.
An additional theme was a requirement for Russias leaders to reinvent myths to justify their attempts for reform or their draconian actions to tighten their control..
It is speculated that Christian Orthodoxy was chosen to surpass Paganism in guild to create a divine connectedness to power. Catholicism was avoided as the Pope was the highest divinity on earth, Judaism was avoided as it was seen as weak as Jews were pushed out of their land and Islam was avoided as booze was a cultural staple to the Rus people.
Ivan the Terrible was made Grand Pronce at simply the age of 3, the boyars would ofttimes attempt to accept reward of his youth and perceived nativity but he developed thick skin and a mistrust of the boyars who he ultimately relied on in order to govern the country effectively, he became the first crowned tsar of Russia he would strive to set the foundations of the Russian state, definiting the relationship between church and Crown, state bureaucracy was codified, he addressed local tyrants and ready-up state constabulary, in effect for boyars (aristocracy) to remain, they had to serve the state...
...Ivan expanded Russia into an empire, particularly eastwards, absorbing Turkish ethnicities, Siberia Khanate and coming into direct conflict with the Ottoman Empire, nevertheless grew paranoid for many reasons, his last years were filled with angst and confusion...Russia fell into crises after crises during the Time of Troubles...
This lead to the Romanov Dynasty as Russia needed a tsar that could bring stability, the Romanov Dynasty was characterised by an ebb and flow of wars, attempted reforms and autocracy. Enlightened despotism was the playbook for Peter the Bang-up and Catherine the Great
Every bit same Alexander III heightened autocracy afterward his father's assassination Nicholas Two the terminal tsar of Russia, sought reform and modernization in gild to keep up with Europe'south engineering science and culture, while maintaining autocracy...however, massive casualties and humiliations during the Russo-Japanese War and WW1 led to a collapse in public back up and enabled the Feb and Oct revolutions
The socialist (Oct) revolution was largely opportunistic, the February Revolution was backed by the aristocracy but lacked lesdership and structure, thus Lenin'southward Bolsheviks has an border, yet, importantly Karl Marx warned in The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napolean, that trying to strength socialism onto a country not yet prepared for it (lacking a large and politically mature working course) would be counterproductive, leading to a government with conservative instincts only a revolutionary mindset (Stalin would prove this to be true)...ironically before his death, Lenin warned the communist party of Stali, recommending they find a way if removing Stalin
...ironically communism was sold as a way to liberty and prosperity but resulted in terror, where boyar serfdom was replaced with nationalised serfdom with revolutionary terror at scale
Putin came to power during the despair and chaos of Yeltsin'due south presidency. Putin believed Russia ought to remain a global ability and sought to re-build this status, initially through cooperation with the Westward (I.e. with the war on terror) nevertheless, Putin felt Russia was largely disregarded...
...Putin built a nationalistic identity and pride on the foundation of a historical narrative that Russia is the defender of Europe (against the Gilded Horde, the Mongols, the Ottomans, Napolean, Hitler) and that Russia is continually forced into defensive deportment (Georgia, Ukraine, NATO)...
Putin believes strongly in Russian exceptionalism and the West threatens this, Putin commissioned a statue of St Vladamir exterior the Kremlin (he was Vladimir of Kiev) which is at present Kyiv, and so does the historical ownership belong to Russia or Ukraine?
The volume ends on the thought that Putin'south prevailing myth is that Russia is not accepted as being European and that it is continuously isolated past Western powers, even so, the reality is that 3/4 of Russians use the Net, many absorb strange media, they accept relatives across ex-Soviet States that are moving west, European and The states ckbstruction firms have projects in Russian cities...Russia becoming just another European country is Putin'due south worry as it creates a accident to his belief in Russian exceptionalism
...more Unfortunately I didn't check on goodreads earlier I bought it. Seriously - shame on the editor. The original title was apt and absolutely necessary. My impression after reading it is in fact: if Russian federation is
I wonder who had this genius idea of revising the 'How the World's Largest Land Invented Itself, from the Pagans to Putin' to 'from the Pagans to Putin', which at least tricked me into buying the book, thinking it'southward a harmless objective account of history that at to the lowest degree pretends to be neutral.Unfortunately I didn't cheque on goodreads before I bought it. Seriously - shame on the editor. The original title was apt and absolutely necessary. My impression after reading information technology is in fact: if Russia is yet what it is today later on having done everything then wrong, they must be a genuinely capable and resilient grouping of people.
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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48894047-a-short-history-of-russia
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