Geoffrey Hosking is Emeritus Professor of Russian History at University College London.
[A] comprehensive and intelligent survey of Russian history for the
general reader…[that follows] the twists and turns of Slavic
history from the principalities of Kievan Rus in the late ninth
century to the presidency of Boris Yeltsin… [A] most excellent
historical survey.
*The Economist (praise for the first edition)*
For the general reader, this book is the King James version of
Russian history.
*Foreign Affairs (praise for the first edition)*
There…seems to be a general failure to understand Russians on their
own terms—as people who, on one hand are no different than the
foreigners trying to analyze them and, on the other hand, think and
act in ways that baffle outsiders. In other words, Russians behave
just like us, except when they don’t. Those seeking answers to
these mysteries will welcome Geoffrey Hosking’s latest work, Russia
and the Russians, a massive survey that begins with the Kievan Rus
in the ninth century and ends with Vladimir Putin’s arrival in the
Kremlin in 2000. Mr. Hosking has made an important contribution to
those seeking to better understand a country and its people.
*Washington Times (praise for the first edition)*
Russia’s history, more than that of almost any other country, lends
itself to passion and polemic…[Hosking] nevertheless attempts…a
dispassionate account. Writing with enviable lucidity, he sets out
to dispel the current negativeness and general ambivalence that
characterizes both Western and native assessments of Russia’s role
in the world… His general argument is compelling.
*New Leader (praise for the first edition)*
Russia and the Russians…is a comprehensive and up-to-date textbook
of Russian history… [Hosking] covers every aspect of Russia from
the terrain itself, to the tsars, to Russian nationalism, to the
Cold War, to Perestroika, to the Russian Federation—and he is
thorough. Russia and the Russians is a book for the serious student
of history.
*Times Record News (praise for the first edition)*
For the thousand years of its recorded existence, Russia’s history
has been as dramatic, tragic, and inspiring as that of any nation,
exerting a perennial attraction that cries for the one-volume
introduction Hosking is well equipped to provide. His book is
especially welcome because he links the Communist era, now that it
is over, to the enduring themes of the Russian experience… This is
a high-quality overview.
*Booklist (praise for the first edition)*
Hosking’s narrative is so compellingly and gracefully written and
so meticulously researched that the reader will find an abundance
of treasure. While more valuable to the general reader than the
specialist, the latter will still derive insight from the book.
This quality is never better illustrated than in the introduction,
where Hosking sets forth ‘the four salient characteristics’ that
have ‘imparted to Russia a paradoxical combination of colossal
strength and almost crippling weakness.’ His treatment of the
Nikonian reforms, social transformation and terror during Stalin’s
collectivization, and Gorbachev’s perestroika are similarly
stimulating… [Hosking’s] insight and expertise provide a learning
experience for all levels of reader.
*Choice (praise for the first edition)*
Hosking…offers a comprehensive survey from the beginnings of Kievan
Rus through Russia’s recent independence, emphasizing the impact of
relations between Russians and non-Russians… This book’s strength
lies in its revealing Russia’s continuities. The result compares
favorably with some of the best Russian histories of recent decades
while also consolidating new scholarship. Highly recommended.
*Library Journal (praise for the first edition)*
A book intended for a general educated audience and students, a
survey of the entire course of Russian history. Hosking is up on
the current literature and is invariably judicious in dealing with
historiographical controversies.
Hosking’s book has comprehensive sweep and a clear writing style.
It is filled with judicious appraisals of a number of critical
historical issues. A book of vast erudition written by an eminently
qualified scholar, it is much-needed.
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