Russian history in brief

Question

Does anyone know if there is a sort of "Idiot's Guide to Russian History" kind of book available? I'm really just looking for a gloss, or a rough outline. (but it would be nice if the book had a bibliography that could direct me to other sources if I want more information on a topic)

Please don't suggest books that are 500 pages...I just don't have the time to get through them. :-)

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Little late to study isn't it? This is a complex subject that would cover several thousand years trying to find even the briefest comprehensive history at less than 500 pages would be next to impossible.....All right. I take that crack back. But if you want to know enough to have an intelligent conversation with your colleague go to a local used book store and buy a good overall history. Most will classify history by countries first and you should be able to find one. An alternative is your local library or colleges....You won't find a sort of "Russia for Dummies", that your co-worker will respect you for....I respect people for extensive knowledge and willingness to invest time and effort in learning, as well as innate ability. And frankly even after several degrees and several more in the works when I come home from work I read. On average I read about thirty books a month and have since the second grade. I can and do work all night and then do that. A lot of people today could use that attitude.....Try it people, there are too many who want easy answers out there. Today too many want it from an hour on a computer. As well too many are not willing to do something that is a hard and complex trade. That is why we are losing ground in the world.....I use a computer as a tool. Nothing else....

Answer 2

Well....

*Russia had one of the longest absolute monarchs in till the Russian Revolution

*Alexander Pushkin is one of the founders of the modern Russian language....

You could just skip around to the website I provided and that'll just give you a basic outline of Russia and the Russian culture.  

Answer 3

For the Pre-Communist period - try Geoffrey Hoskins History of Russia and the Russians. (I know it's a big book, but it's a very long and complex period)

For the Communist period Mary McAuley - Soviet Union 1917 - 1991

Post Communist period - try Post Communism by Leslie Holmes

No - they're all really good books - a bit heavyweight (except Macauley's - about 150 pages) - but good.

I was curious why I got the 3 thumbs down as well

Answer 4

Vikings -->  Tsar --> Commies --> Fascists