Russia

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

This brief survey of Russia covers historical events from its creation, to Imperial Russia, Soviet Russia, the fall of Communism, to modern Russia. Using black and white photos and maps, the author describes Russian culture, geography, economics, politics and government including vignettes on famous personalities in culture and government. The emphasis is on changes in Russian life since the fall of Communism in 1991, with personal accounts from citizens from all walks of life. While giving a birds-eye view of the tumultuous changes that have occurred in the world's largest nation, further reading is necessary for any in-depth accounting of the wide range of subjects attempted. The author includes a timeline of historical events and a brief bibliography for additional research in this revised edition. Part of the "Nations in Transition" series. 1998 (orig.

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-While the first five chapters provide valuable background on geography, culture, and history through the Soviet period, more than half of this book is devoted to the years since 1991. Kort examines this period, with its exhilarating moments and painful disappointments for the Russian people, by focusing on politics and government, the economy, and daily life. In a final chapter on problems and prospects, he discusses crime, environmental problems, and regional assertiveness within the Russian Federation. Although the author is more pessimistic about the country's future than he was in the 1995 edition, his lucid narrative recounts events clearly and traces the sources of problems. His explanations of the weaknesses of the government under the 1993 Constitution and how wealth became concentrated in the hands of the few are particularly good. Readers will also appreciate some apt quotes from Russian citizens. Although there is no glossary, unfamiliar terms are explained as they are introduced. While the black-and-white photos are not as impressive as those in the previous edition, the boldly set off subheadings may entice casual readers and this structure will be helpful to students doing reports. The chronology is complete through September 1998, and updating throughout the last half of the book adds an additional 30 pages of text, making the purchase of this new edition worthwhile.-Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign