Why read A Short History of Russia?

Book cover of A Short History of Russia: How the World's Largest Country Invented Itself, from the Pagans to Putin

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'Fascinating... One of the most astute political commentators on Putin and modern Russia' Financial Times

'An amazing achievement' Peter Frankopan

Can anyone truly understand Russia?

Russia is a country with no natural borders, no single ethos, no true central identity. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it is everyone's…

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Why read it?

1 author picked A Short History of Russia as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ursula Wong

Author

From the Kiev of ancient Rus’ to today, Mark Galeotti has stuffed the history of Russia into one jaw-dropping book of just over 200 pages. I loved the book because it was concise, informative, and cleared up misconceptions we may have about Russia.

Mr. Galeotti’s book provides a thoughtful perspective in an overview that brings context to today’s Russia. He claims he’s debunking myths. Were the Mongol invasions truly devastating? He offers stories we may not have heard. How did Catherine the Great really come to power? He challenges us to examine why the Russian people tolerate a man like…

From Ursula's list on books that changed my perspective on Eastern Europe and Russia.