A History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Gorbachev

By: Mark Steinberg, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Mark Steinberg

It's difficult to imagine a nation with a history more compelling for Americans than Russia. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, this was the nation against which we measured our own nation's values and power and with whom war, if it ever came, could spell unimaginable catastrophe for our planet.

Yet many Americans have never had the opportunity to study Russia in depth, and to see how the forces of history came together to shape a future so different from the dreams of most ordinary Russian people, eager to see their nation embrace Western values of progress, human rights, and justice.

Now a much-honored teacher has created a series of 36 lectures designed to give you one of the deepest glimpses into Russia you've ever had - a vivid journey through 300 years of Russian history as seen through the eyes of her own people. You'll discover historical themes made clear not by discussing treaties, war declarations, or economic statistics - but by examining the lives and ideas of the men and women who were Russia: tsars, emperors, Communist Party leaders, writers, artists, peasants, and factory workers.

You'll grasp what Russian life was like as Professor Steinberg analyzes ideas of power not only from the viewpoint of its rulers, but also from that of the ruled; the theme of happiness and its pursuit that resonates throughout Russian history, and ideas of morality and ethics as wielded by both the Russian state and its critics.

And you'll listen as he brings alive the vibrant Russian imagination - so willing to visualize a different kind of life for its people, yet so burdened by its darker sides of doubt and pessimism that those visions were rejected.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2003 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2003 The Great Courses

Not story-telling but history-telling at its best

Any additional comments?

I am a retired man who spent good years in technology thus missing ample in history. With more time available now I wanted to catch up on that but being a slow reader, printed books wasn’t the best and the most motivating option. Thanks to audio books that filled that void very well. And it’s in this search for better audio books on history that I stumbled on The Great Courses.

I signed up for Audible and started with this one on Russian history as a free trial. And was it worth it? To answer that question simply, “I think I am sold to it”.

Professor Mark Steinberg does a commendable job walking one through the Russian history in a very lucid, fairly paced and absorbing delivery. I found it so riveting that I finished the entire 18-hours plus of listening in just 4 days. His knowledge, as I learnt late during his narration, is not just based on an academic study but also enriched by his physical knowledge (presence) of the then USSR where he studied and also taught - a fact that hadn’t been highlighted in the introduction to his lectures.

I’ll conclude saying that this lecture series on Russia alone is worth the subscription of a whole one year at Audible.

Excellent

Loved the Lecturer's passion for his subject and the balance with which he approached hot button topics such as Socialism, Fascism, Communism and their various forms. Gave me a better understanding of Russia today and appreciation for its people and their struggle for freedom as they define it.

"What it means to be Russian"

Would you consider the audio edition of A History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Gorbachev to be better than the print version?

I have a tough time thinking that this course would be better in a book.

Steinberg does a fantastic job with his lecture. The way he speaks doesn't get boring.

What did you like best about this story?

The context placed around certain time periods for both the peasantry and the nobility. I've often wondered "but what did the people think", and this course really puts that into perspective.

At the same time, I better understand some of the decisions of the rulers.

What about Professor Mark Steinberg’s performance did you like?

He is not monotonous, and his tones show a clear appreciation for his subject.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Hearts and Minds of Russia

Any additional comments?

I'd have given this story a 5-star rating except for a couple of parts that didn't interest me as much. I listened to the sections about art just a little less enthusiastically than the rest.

I still highly recommend this course.

Wonderful Purchase

Would you listen to A History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Gorbachev again? Why?

I would. The author is a great historian that is able to provide facts with minimal bias. Wonderful to listen to. Although there is inherent bias in what Dr. Steingberg chooses to provide for evidence, he goes to great lengths to remove his own bias in a large portion of the lecture.

What about Professor Mark Steinberg’s performance did you like?

Very well organized. Enjoyable.

Good history of Russian leaders and society

As others have noted, this deals little with wars and conquest and focuses rather on the heads of state and the condition of commoners.

Good Information, Good Lectures

very informative and a good use of my time. very happy with these lectures. I would recommend it to anyone who is not very familiar with the history of Russia

Very interesting and informative

The overall subject was quite interesting and the professor was certainly both passionate and well versed on the subject matter. Anyone who wants to learn about Russian history should listen to this.

Wrong title but a good 'read'

Whoever gave the book it's title should have said that it was more a history of philosophy or political thought in Russia rather than saying simply History of...

Once you get past that bait and switch, it really is an interesting survey of a culture that is so often misunderstood and misread by the West. The subject matter is very capably handled by Prof Steinburg.

Different than expected

I expected this be a more structured overview of Russian history. In some ways it differed from my expectations. First, it seemed to focus more on the biographies of historical key figures. Second, there some lengthy sessions on differing ideologies within Russia. This wasn’t bad, just different then expected.

The coverage of the revolution and the rise and rule of Stalin were outstanding. The transition from Stalin to Gorbachev was a little light - I wanted more.

All in all, the course is worth the investment.

Enjoyable listen!

loved it! Well presented and a great over view of Russian history. A must listen!