A Short History of the Russian Revolution: Revised Edition

Description

The 1917 Revolution sent shockwaves throughout the globe, setting a chain of events in motion that would change the entire course of the 20th century. With the overthrow of the Romanov Dynasty, Russia was plunged into the political unknown and, from the crucible of social unrest, ideological conflict and violent civil war, the world's first communist state was forged. In this revised edition, Geoffrey Swain provides an incisive overview of one of the most complex and turbulent periods in modern history, tracing key moments from the abdication of Tsar Nicolas II to the Bolshevik seizure of power. A leading authority on Russia and Eastern Europe, Geoffrey Swain highlights the important legacies of 1905, demonstrating how early revolutionary ambitions among the masses culminated in the events of 1917. Challenging conventions in Soviet scholarship, this revised edition shows that the Bolshevik concepts of discipline and ideology that had mobilised the revolution, set an unnecessary course towards dictatorship and terror. Covering new historiography in the field, this revised edition places a renewed emphasis on the social and cultural upheaval experienced in Russia amid the nation's political turmoil.

Geoffrey Swain is Honorary Professor Emeritus and former Nove Chair in Russian and East European Studies at the University of Glasgow, UK

'Extremely exciting - beautifully designed intellectually.' * Helen Castor, Fellow in History, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, UK * 'In this compact book of just over 200 pages, Geoffrey Swain does a surprisingly good job of presenting a historical overview of the October Revolution...' * Carlos Martinez, Morning Star * 'A valuable contribution... offers a useful text for newcomers to the topic, especially undergraduate Students... an original and widely accessible contribution to scholarship on the Russian revolution. Swain should be commended for his bold and engaging thesis. A century on from 1917, his book will challenge and stimulate discussion amongst specialists and non-specialists alike.' * European History Quarterly * This brilliant short history explains why Russian workers were a genuine revolutionary force that underpinned the rise of the Bolsheviks in 1917, and charts how by the autumn of 1918 hopes for a socialist coalition were dashed by Lenin's preference for single-party dictatorship. A gripping tale, expertly and convincingly told. * Ian D. Thatcher, Professor of History, Ulster University, Ireland * Professor Swain has produced an immensely valuable introduction to the Russian Revolution which succeeds in being wide-ranging, stimulating and highly readable. The inclusion of items published around the centenary in 2017 ensures it is the most up-to-date account currently available. * Chris Read, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Warwick, UK *