A History of Russia

Title of the book: A History of Russia 

Author: George Vernadsky 

Publisher: Yale University Press 

Publishing Date: 1966

ISBN: 9780300002478

Summary:

Generally recognized as the standard one-volume history of Russia, this monumental work describes Russia's growth from the times of the nomadic tribes to the Cold War & examines the social, religious & cultural as well as the political & economic aspects of Russian civilization.

Author Info:

N/A

Personal Opinion:

How does one rate a textbook? Personality I would rate it on diversity, inclusivity and information. Thus, I am sorry that this one will be three stars. First of all its an excellent book to understand Russia past and present (up to 1960s) , and its written in an engaging style. But- yes, there are a lot of buts- it didn't include information on women's lives, and minorities such as Jews or Muslims or even Asians are skipped over, in particular Koreans who have had a rich history when it comes to USSR (Fun facts the book didn't state: the founding of Balhae, the exportation of Koreans back to Korea after Russia lost war to Japan in 1900s,) there was also little mention of Jewish history be it past or present, and although there is talk of WW2, the author never brought up the Jewish involvement in WW2, and he was very vague with the hatred Jews went through during Russian and Soviet Union times. More than anything, this book has made me realize is how lacking my education in America was because a lot of things that the author brought up, guess what, I never learned or had a chance to learn! 

3 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)