The Russia Reader

"For the reader who desires to take a first dip into Russian history and culture but is overwhelmed by the vast amount of work available, The Russia Reader is the ideal starting point." - Viktoria Ivanyutina, The Moscow Times "If you purchase just one non-fiction book on Russia this year, make it this one. An eclectic, rich compendium of readings that covers a very broad swath of Russian history and culture. . . . Surely to be a popular choice for college survey courses on Russian history, this volume offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone with an interest in things Russian. And it does not require systematic reading, front to back. In fact, it rewards the serendipitous reader: no matter where you dip into it, you are sure to be enthralled." - Paul E. Richardson, Russian Life "The Russia surveyed here is one that reveals the complex layers of history that have accumulated over time and the voices that Barker and Grant marshal in telling Russia's history are engaging and innovative ones. . . . The Russia Reader should interest any . . . traveler looking for a rich introduction into the history, culture, and politics of Russia." - Stephen M. Norris, Anthropology of East Europe Review "The Russia Reader is excellent. It is a tremendous introduction for the newcomer to Russian history and culture, and even the well-versed reader should find fascinating new material amongst the rich variety collected here." - Mary Bailes, Scotland-Russia Review "This volume represents, in the truest sense of the phrase, a Herculean effort...In compiling an eclectic mixture of stand-alone articles and excerpts from existing and newly commissioned translations..., Adele Barker and Bruce Grant seek to provide a one-stop source for students and travelers. For the most part, they have succeeded admirably." - Kathleen Parthe, Slavic and East European Journal "The Russia Reader provides a wonderful overview of Russian life and culture across the centuries, from the emergence of Muscovy and Russian Orthodoxy to the present day. The editors have done a remarkable job in selecting a range of texts that offer a sweeping overview of the complexity and passion of Russian life, and their brief introductions helpfully situate the texts. Whether readers follow the fate of Russia chronologically or use the book as a kaleidoscope to explore different facets of Russian life and culture, they will find a treasure trove of beautiful, dramatic, and tragic readings for exploring Russian history and culture across the ages."-Peter Holquist, University of Pennsylvania "Adele Barker and Bruce Grant have selected a fascinating group of writings reflecting Russian reality, past and present, most by Russians themselves. The selections make absorbing reading and convey insights that penetrate the veil of mystery that has so long obscured the 'Russian soul.'"-Jack F. Matlock Jr., United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union, 1987-1991 "The Russia Reader is excellent. It is a tremendous introduction for the newcomer to Russian history and culture, and even the well-versed reader should find fascinating new material amongst the rich variety collected here." -- Mary Bailes * Scotland-Russia Review * "For the reader who desires to take a first dip into Russian history and culture but is overwhelmed by the vast amount of work available, The Russia Reader is the ideal starting point." -- Viktoria Ivanyutina * Moscow Times * "If you purchase just one non-fiction book on Russia this year, make it this one. An eclectic, rich compendium of readings that covers a very broad swath of Russian history and culture. . . . Surely to be a popular choice for college survey courses on Russian history, this volume offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone with an interest in things Russian. And it does not require systematic reading, front to back. In fact, it rewards the serendipitous reader: no matter whe

Adele Barker is Professor of Russian and Slavic Studies at the University of Arizona. She is the editor of Consuming Russia: Popular Culture, Sex, and Society since Gorbachev, also published by Duke University Press; co-editor of The History of Women's Writing in Russia; and author of Not Quite Paradise: An American Sojourn in Sri Lanka. Bruce Grant is Associate Professor of Anthropology at New York University. He is the author of The Captive and the Gift: Cultural Histories of Sovereignty in Russia and the Caucasus and In the Soviet House of Culture: A Century of Perestroikas.

Acknowledgments xi General Introduction 1 I. Icons and Archetypes 13 II. From Kyiv through Moscovy 61 III. Reform to Revolution 97 IV. Far Pavilions: Siberia 151 V. A Changing Countryside 201 VI. Near Pavilions: The Caucasus 257 VII. Revolution 305 VIII. Building a New World from Old 351 IX. Rising Stalinism 401 X. The Great Terror 447 XI. The War Years 493 XII. the Thaw 537 XIII. Russians Abroad, Near and Far 573 XIV. Life under Advanced Socialism 615 XV. Things Fall Apart 667 XVI. Building a New World, Again 701 Acknowledgment of Copyrights and Sources 743 Suggestions for Further Reader 753 Index 765