Synopses & Reviews
One of the world's preeminent scholars of Russian History, Geoffrey Hosking illuminates the social, cultural, and historical developments that created the need--and openness--for the political and economic changes that occurred in the late 1980's.
Review
The Awakening of the Soviet Union does more to help English speakers understand these changes than any of the dozens of books on the subject published in the past five years. Anthony Astrachan
Review
The most useful and reliable guide to the chaos of the current Soviet Union...[Hosking's] grasp of the overall picture of the Soviet Union and of its history is solid and uncluttered. The Nation
Review
Among the most enlightening and informative accounts of what has already been one of the most amazing peaceful revolutions in modern times...[A] fine study. The Economist
Review
Geoffrey Hosking has...produced a series of almost timeless essays on the deeper currents of change and reform within the Soviet system. Adam B. Ulam - New York Times Book Review
Synopsis
A long-time student of the Soviet Union with many personal contacts there, Geoffrey Hosking provides a unique perspective on the rapid changes the country is experiencing. Other books have focused on the political changes taking place under Gorbachev; Hosking's lively analysis illuminates the social, cultural, and historical developments that have created the need--and openness for sweeping political and economic change.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 220-239) and index.
About the Author
Geoffrey Hosking is retired Professor of Russian History at the University College London.
University of London
Table of Contents
Preface to the Enlarged Edition
Preface to the First Edition
1. A Great Power in Crisis
2. Communities and Ideals in Russian Society
3. The Return of the Repressed
4. A Civil Society in Embryo
5. The Flawed Melting Pot
6. Religion and the Atheist State
7. The Paradox of Gorbachev's Reforms
8. From 'Informals' to Political Parties
9. Towards the Dissolution of the Soviet Union
Conclusion
Notes
Index