From Tsar to Soviets: The Russian People and Their Revolution, 1917-21

by Christopher Read

This highly readable and authoritative new study of the 1917 Revolution restores to center stage the experiences of the ordinary men and women of Russia's towns and villages. By examining the revolution in the light of these experiences rather than the activities of central parties and
politicians, the book challenges many commonly held assumptions and sheds new light on the realities of living through and participating in such tumultuous events. As well as putting forward a challenging and fresh interpretation of the revolution, this book provides readers with a superb synthesis
of recent research, and is unrivalled in its clarity and balance.

Genres: History, Russia

Paperback

First published January 29, 1996

Reviews

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great social history that focuses on the role of popular movements and masses in the pre- and post-revolutionary period. focuses especially peasants, but also workers, soldiers, sailors. Read I would say is sympathetic to these democratic/popular/populist forces, and critical of bolshevik (and revisionist) history in a manner that you might expect from the mid-90s. ultimately though the point of the book is that a failure to understand the importance (and even the role) of social support doomed the more radical elements of the early years of the revolution. who am i to say how this sits in the historiography, but i found it broadly convincing and compelling.

[Charlotte Willow]

I read this for my A level history coursework in which my topic was the causes of the October Russian Revolution and whether or not it should be considered a coup or revolution.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

C:3.7 U:4 P:4 A:3