The Soviet Union - A Very Short Introduction

Lovell, Stephen

ISBN 10: 0199238480 / ISBN 13: 9780199238484

Published by Oxford University Press, 2009

About this Item

Paperback, F. xiv+151pp, 19 b/w illustrations, 2 b/w maps, index, a nice fine copy. Very Short Introduction vol 207. A brief introduction, aimed at the general reader, to the history of the Soviet Union, 1917 - 1991. 200 grams.

Seller Inventory # 63561

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Soviet Union - A Very Short Introduction
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199238480
• ISBN 13: 9780199238484
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Weight: 200 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Russian History

About this title

Synopsis

The Soviet Union at its height occupied one sixth of the world's land mass, encompassed fifteen republics, and stretched across eleven different time zones. More than twice the size of the United States, it was the great threat of the Cold War until it suddenly collapsed in 1991. Now, almost twenty years after the dissolution of this vast empire, what are we to make of its existence? Was it a heroic experiment, an unmitigated disaster, or a viable if flawed response to the modern world? Taking a fresh approach to the study of the Soviet Union, this Very Short Introduction blends political history with an investigation into Soviet society and culture from 1917 to 1991. Stephen Lovell examines aspects of patriotism, political violence, poverty, and ideology, and provides answers to some of the big questions about the Soviet experience. Throughout, the book takes a refreshing thematic approach to the history of the Soviet Union and it provides an up-to-date consideration of the Soviet Union's impact and what we have learnt since its end.

About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

About the Author

Stephen Lovell is a Reader in Modern European History at King's College London.