The Kremlin and Its Treasures

Briefly traces the history of the Kremlin, and shows and describes its churches, museums, palaces, and government buildings

YA The major restoration of the Kremlin in recent years is well demonstrated in this spectacular volume. As a work of architecture, the Kremlin reflects the history of Russia; the works of art contained within expand understanding of that history. On that basis alone, this book belongs in libraries. Logically arranged, it begins with a history of the Kremlin, followed by a discussion of other buildings in Cathedral Square and then of various palaces and residences, including the 19th- and 20th-Century additions to the Grand Kremlin Palace, and finally a consideration of the Armory. Written by Soviets, the volume necessarily emphasizes collections of which the government is especially proud, including fresco and icon collections dating from the 11th to the 18th Centuries; jewelry; weapons; church vestments; state insignia, crowns, and other royal paraphernalia; and a coin collection. The updated appearance of the Kremlin as a whole, and the excellent photographs of its various collections, make this title a worthy addition to replace older volumes. Dorcas Hand, Episcopal High School, Bellaire
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Kremlin houses the largest Soviet museum as well as the seat of government, and with glasnost comes this singular volume produced by the U.S.S.R. that reveals a panoply of artistic masterpieces from a period spanning 15 centuries. Superior color photographs capture icons and frescoes, gold and silver smithery, armor and weapons, carriages, crowns, coronation robes and thrones, and church vestments. Featured as well are the architectural splendors of the Kremlin complex itself, which has undergone many renovations throughout its history, with fortress-castle towers, drawbridges, bulbous gilt domes and the exquisite interiors of the former cathedrals and palaces. The volume pictures Lenin's office and private apartment and extols the "Kremlin period" of his life (1918-22), which "is characterized by the extremely important decisions he had to make as well as by the hard work he did." Downplayed is the post-Revolution seizure of privately owned artwork as public property. Rodimzeva is director of the Soviet department of museums, Rachmanov a Tass photojournalist and Raimann a German art restorer.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Russian museum official Rodimzeva's laudatory text and the large, appealing photographs provide a decorous survey of Moscow's Kremlin, center of both centuries-old czarist rule and contemporary Soviet government. Some art and historical objects are illustrated, but the emphasis is on the Kremlin's architecture and interior decoration. Each building is represented in a handful of photographs, with czarist and Soviet buildings given equal treatment whether used today as museums or by the government. The language, if a bit stilted, is straightforward. Suitable for general readers, interested laypersons, and students. Kathryn W. Finkelstein, M.Ln., Cincinnati
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.