The Russian Revolution

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-Both books provide historical background before describing the events as they unfolded. There is also an examination of the aftermath of these milestones that changed history. This requires Dowswell to summarize several decades of Soviet history, whereas Bingham can focus on the world's reaction to the crackdown in Tiananmen Square and its legacy in China. Each of 19 specific topics is presented in a two-page segment accompanied by photographs and insets identifying a person, describing a movement, or giving a relevant quote. Revolution also uses a few posters from the period and a cartoon to illustrate points. Unfortunately, Dowswell's book has some text missing in its opening chapter, and readers are told that while Russia was making progress, it lagged behind the modernization found in "more prosperous nations such as Europe and North America." Despite these flaws, the excellent illustrations and clear narratives make both books good introductions to their subjects.-Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.