Not fancying a dose of Dostoevsky or Chekhov? Why not give RN Morris a go? Morris' St Petersburg Mystery series is set in Tsarist Russia around the mid 1860s, during the reign of Alexander II. It follows the investigations of detective Porfiry Petrovich as he solves crimes in the new justice system set up by Alexander II. 

The first book in the series, "A Gentle Axe" sees Petrovich investigating the deaths of two people in suspicious circumstances. At first it appears that the a dwarf found hacked to pieces in a suitcase has been murdered in a fit of rage by another man found hanging nearby, but it quickly become apparent that there is more to the case than meets the eye. 

The investigation which follows sees Petrovich plumb the murky depths beneath St Petersburg's respectable veneer, meeting with aristocratic prejudice along the way. The book also deals with the issues of legal reform in Russia, as well as nihilism and dissidence, and therefore is a really good book to read for a sense of period. 

An enjoyable and pacey book - this is well worth a try. The book is available HERE

Have you read the book? Let me know your thoughts by commenting here or posting on Twitter @andallthatweb #bookreview

Mr F

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?):

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! 

I sense a lesson based on these coming on for next year!

Mr F

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

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

A cheap summary ebook/audio book on the Russian Revolution

"History in an hour" is a series of blogs which tackle historical events. You can view all of the information for free by visiting www.historyinanhour.com or you can download the books as ebooks HERE or if you have even less time to read as audio books HERE. The downloads cost a few punds but might be an easier way to find what you need.

Spoilt for choice!! Check out these podcasts from various universities to add to your knowledge of the Russian Revolution

The 1905 Russian Revolution [2] Ian Thatcher

The First World War: The Entente Powers [2] John Gooch

Russia & The First World War [2] Sarah Badcock

The Russian Agrarian Crisis? [2] Sarah Badcock

The 1917 Russian Revolutions [2] Sarah Badcock

Lenin & The Russian Revolution [2] Ian Thatcher

The Russian Provisional Government, 1917 [2] Ian Thatcher

The Bolshevik State: 1917-1924 [2] Ian Thatcher

Trotsky & The Bolsheviks 1917-1924 [3] Ian Thatcher