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

Much needed

I have been searching for a decent documentation of the history of modern Russia for quiet a while, and this audiobook delivers. It explores the philosophies, inner movements and conflicts that Russia had gone through. If you're interested in exploring the history of Russia in an unbiased, academic way, look no further.

Solid but not for novices

Enjoyed this overview, particularly the chapters about Lenin and Stalin. However, I thought it assumed a bit too much knowledge of Russian history and culture going in.

great courses indeed

engaging, thorough, and well structured. you'll have no better primer on Russian history than this course

New Insight into the Russian Psyche

If you could sum up A History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Gorbachev in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating, illuminating, comprehensive

Who was your favorite character and why?

At the turn of the 20th Century, Russia went through a mini utopia -- a brief period of unprecedented freedoms and artistic expression. Education was widely available and millions of serfs became literate. Women could claim divorce for the first time. Social mobility was possible.

Any additional comments?

Steinberg is a wonderful story teller. He speaks Russian and seems to have a deep understanding of what it means to be Russian; how leaders ruled through benevolence or fear over the centuries. I really wish that Audible would edit out the music at the beginning and end of the lectures. The Great Courses theme uses french horns and they are real ear shredders when you're wearing head phones. It's clear from the script that one lesson is ending and a new one is beginning without the music.

Model of clarity!

I found these lectures extremely edifying and easy to understand. I hope to find more lectures by this professor!

Interesting

Mark Steinberg does a fantastic job. Both the powerful and the meek are discussed giving a broader rounding of the history of Russia.

Great study

Great study although it misses the impact of the Afghan war on the Soviet union

Excellent modern history of Russia

Steinberg is incredibly, incredibly devoted to this subject and as qualified as one can get. His narration is very good, and he puts a lot of emphasis on certain ways of understanding Russia to illustrate trends and patterns that spring up throughout its history. He devotes a good deal of time to non-tsar and non-politician individuals which I thought was the best part of the course, especially on the intelligentsia of the Russian empire. He doesn't go too in depth on the mid to late 20th century, but he certainly provides a foundation to do further learning on your own.

Just what I wanted!

Some reviewers complain that this book leaves things out. The book is "_A_ History of Russia", not "THE History of Russia". It is well written, and read in a lively and engaging fashion. It's easily comprehensive enough for a first (but not cursory) look at the currents, themes, and key players in Russian history.

One of the best courses

The mix between politics and personal stories work great. It is gripping and profound. Too bad it does not include early Russian history, but just from 17th century and on.