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Murray's Travel Guides to Tsarist Russia - A Fantastic Window on Life in Imperial Russia

3/8/2014

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Ever wondered what it would be like to have visited Russia in the C19th? Well wonder no more. You can download and read two wonderful travel guides to Russia from the mid C19th for free via Google Books. The guides are part of the Murray "Traveler's Handbook" series and were aimed at wealthy Englishmen (sic.) heading to foreign parts. They are as much an insight into English culture as to Russian to be frank. I would recommend reading the introductory sections to both guides.

The first of the two guides, written in 1849 offers an interesting insight into pre-reform Russia under Nicholas I. It covers issues of censorship, passports and police searches, as well as the difficulties experienced in finding a good hotel. The author seems most vexed that the hotels he stays in expect him to supply his own linen and servants... The way he describes the hotels though is an interesting metaphor for Russia at this time (discuss?):

Though imposing on the outside, many of these hotels are wretched and dirty within ; they are, in fact, merely large lodging houses, divided into sets of apartments, to many of which a small kitchen is attached ; not an atom of carpet or matting is to be seen, and the scanty furniture is of a very inferior description.
The second of the guides was written in 1865 and covers the changes which had occurred in Russia under Alexander II. Notably, a very positive spin is given on the reformed Russia. This fits perfectly into that period before the assassination attempt and the reintroduction of repression. 

Both guides give fantastic insights into the country and how it changed over time and both are fascinating in what they choose to include or miss out! 
There has hitherto been some difficulty in passing books, maps, guides, and other products of the press, but a recent regulation permits the introduction of all such printed works as Continental travellers are in the habit of carrying with them, excluding the publications of the Russian revolutionary press in London and elsewhere. Travellers are cautioned against introducing the latter works. Bibles and Prayer-Books are not touched, nor need the Handbook be any longer concealed. When the books are in large parcels, they will be forwarded by the frontier authorities to the Censorship Com mittee at St. Petersburg, by which they are examined, and ultimately restored to the owner. English and foreign newspapers are not seized, as formerly, when used as wrappers.
I sense a lesson based on these coming on for next year!

Mr F
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Tsarist Russia 1855-1914 Podcasts - Great Resource from the HA #tweko

1/31/2014

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Some excellent Tsarist Russia era podcasts from Prof. Peter Waldron. To use this you will need to login to the HA student zone with username @andallthatweb and the password from your teacher. You can listen to the podcasts HERE

Topics:
1. What were the pressures on the Russian ruling elite? Russia's international position. The Crimean war.
2. Domestic pressures. A backward economy, pressure to modernise.
3. The threat of popular discontent.
4. Inconsistent responses from the Tsars: Reform and reaction.
5. Assassination and terrorism. Alexander III authoritarian response.
6. 1890s Russian industrialisation takes off and massive urban growth.
7. Nicholas II - the 1905 Revolution/War with Japan.
8. Russian Tsars unsure how to deal with modernisation, the desire to maintain power and short sightedness.



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Russia 1910-1913 - Images of Life

9/27/2013

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These newsreels show daily life in Russia 1910-1913. A wonderful insight into Russia 1910-1913. Some appearances of The Romanovs in their yacht and in official events. Three parts to enjoy.

You may also like to read this article on Russia on the eve of Revolution: HERE (Subscription needed)
Had it not been for the First World War the country’s fortunes might have taken a very different turn, says Charles Emmerson.

Mr F
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Book Review: Chekhov, "About Love and Other Stories" - A great intro to Russian society

9/7/2013

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Reading Russian literature from the Nineteenth Century is a fantastic way to get a feel for life in pre-revolutionary Russia. However, much Russian literature can be extremely dense for the novice, with thick description and character lists as long as your army. Enter Anton Chekhov, the accessible way to enjoy some Russian writing. Chekhov's style is both sparse and modern, light on description but heavy on analogy and metaphor. It is an ideal introduction to Russia at the turn of the century. 

"About Love and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories written by Chekhov around the 1890s. His writings take the theme of love from a range of different perspectives and we are given fleeting glimpses into the lives of the Russian nobility at the end of the great Tsarist regime. The stories cover themes of alienation, despair and the absurdity of human existence. They are as powerful and relevant today as when they were originally written. The collection includes Chekhov's more well-known pieces such as "The Lady with the Little Dog", as well more obscure works such as "Rothschild's Violin", a "haunting and darkly humorous tale about death and loss." My personal favourite is "The Letter" in which a father is given advice on reining in his errant son. You can read the whole story HERE. Indeed, the majority of Chekhov's works are available free online, however the translation in this edition by Rosamund Bartlett is especially good!

The book is available from Amazon HERE. Do comment and let me know what you think!

Mr F

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