Dictionary of the Russian Revolution - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0313211310 ISBN 13: 9780313211317

Publisher: Greenwood, 1989

Synopsis

This volume focuses on the events, personalities, organizations, and theory of the Russian Revolution. . . . There is excellent coverage of the myriad committees, parties, interest groups, and other organizations that had a role in shaping the events of the period. Perhaps the most appealing element of the work, however, is the very substantial coverage of broad topics.
Reference Books Bulletin

Dictionary of the Russian Revolution is designed to fill a gap in the reference literature by providing detailed, comprehensive information about the myriad institutions, events, and personalities that appeared, influenced, or were affected by the course of the Russian Revolution of 1917. Although many histories offer excellent accounts of the course of events, students and researchers often want to know more about specific aspects than such works are intended to furnish. The present work contains some 300 entries covering seven general categories in depth: social forces; political parties; prominent individuals; institutions, groups, and associations; significant events in the revolutionary calendar; consideration of the revolution by area, region, and/or nationality group; and other major themes or topics. For each, the volume breaks new ground by drawing together the insights and scholarship of a new generation of professionals interested in the social, economic, institutional, and cultural dimensions of the revolution.

The dictionary is composed of two types of entries: some 100 major articles treating particularly significant issues, and 200 shorter entries. Each of the major articles is written by a prominent scholar in the field and includes a brief English and Russian or other foreign language bibliography of the most important literature and sources for further study. The primary focus of the volume is the events of 1917 and their multifaceted effects. Entries covering the most salient themes of the last years of the old regime and the first steps of the new Soviet power are also included to provide further insight into the revolution itself. Invaluable as an authoritative, up-to-date research and reference tool for Russian history scholars, the dictionary will also be indispensable for students of Russian politics, radicalism, and modern history.

About this title

About the Author

GEORGE JACKSON is Professor of History at Hofstra University.

ROBERT DEVLIN is Assistant Professor at Adelphi University.

Reviews

Written for the general reader, this "one volume guide to the major institutions, people, and movements associated with the Russian Revolutions of 1917-21" describes all elements of social, political, economic, and cultural life of the era and conditions preceding it with special attention to ethnic minorities. Many of the lengthier articles are signed by well-known scholars or active researchers, but not all the articles are signed. Bibliographies accompanying the more substantial entries are very current. The only comparable work is The Blackwell Encyclopedia of the Russian Revolution, edited by Harold Shukman (Basil Blackwell, 1988), which has some of the same prominent contributors (all articles are signed). That volume has two parts: events described chronologically; and biographies in alphabetical order. There is greater focus on prerevolutionary figures, but much of the same material is covered for the same audience and with similar care for scholarship. Both works are recommended to the academic or large public library. Small academic libraries may want the Blackwell volume, which is $65. For others, a choice might be based upon a preference for a dictionary versus a chronology.
- Rena Fowler, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenwood
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0313211310
• ISBN 13: 9780313211317
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 722
• Editor: Jackson George, Devlin Robert