The Bottom Line
A good attempt at condensing the years 1894 - 1994 into under 300 pages, but this politically focused history is far from perfect.
Pros
- Breathtaking pace.
- A short history of a packed period.
Cons
- Skims certain key events.
- Careless repetition.
Description
- 272 pages, including index.
- 8 pages of black and white photographs.
- Published by Pimlico, ISBN: 0712673091.
Guide Review - The Russian Century: A History of the Last Hundred Years by Brian Moynahan
Although this is a well-written and immensely educational work, it's difficult to recommend. The author's selection of material could be better, especially as he uses the same example in several different chapters. In contrast, his use of sources is masterly, blending excerpts from a wide range of material seamlessly into the text. Perhaps if the vitality and incisiveness of his introduction had been maintained, or if his swift history had been supported by footnoting and recommendations of further reading, the work wouldn't feel so empty... See link below for full review.
