Routledge Motherland: Russia in the Twentieth Century

Product Description Motherland tells the dramatic story of the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. From Lenin's virtual coup in November 1917 to Boris Yeltsin's ruthless takeover of power in 1991, the book culminates with a new view of the Yeltsin years. David Marples focuses on the evolution of Russia during the Soviet period, and the attempt to harness Russian nationalism to the avowed Soviet mission of promoting World Communism. Along the way heanalyses some of the more intensive historical debates and uncovers some of the myths perpetuated by state propaganda, especially those associated with the Great Patriotic War. Review 'A brisk, refreshing tour d'horizon of Russia and the Soviet Union in the twentieth century. The author deployes his specialist knowledge of Ukraine and Belarus to telling effect in analysing the multi-ethnic Soviet Union. Very readable, up-to-date and thought provoking  Is Russia still a mystery? Read this book' Martin McCauley 'The author...uses his expertise in the history of the Ukraine and Belarus to good effect...a handy reference to the problems involved in writing the history of this vast empire.' Contemporary Review About the Author David R. Marples