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Understanding Russia

A Cultural History

By Lynne Ann Hartnett The Great Courses

Length
12 hrs and 56 mins
Release date
09-14-18
Language
English
Rating
4.7(10)

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Publisher’s Summary

From the earliest recorded history of the Russian state, its people have sought to define their place in the world. And while many of us look to make sense of Russia through its political history, in many ways a real grasp of this awe-inspiring country comes from looking closely at its cultural achievements. 

The 24 lectures of Understanding Russia: A Cultural History survey hundreds of years of Russian culture, from the world of Ivan the Terrible to the dawn of the Soviet Union to the post-war tensions of Putin’s Russia. Blending history with cultural studies, they are designed to bring you closer than ever before to the Russian people – not just the authoritarian rulers like Peter the Great, the Romanovs, and Stalin but the everyday men and women who sought their own meaning in the poetry of Pushkin, the comfort of early folk tales, the faith of medieval iconography, the avant-garde films of Eisenstein, and more. 

You’ll discover surprising insights into centuries of cultural history, including peasant superstitions, such as avoiding whistling indoors, and the culture of queuing for goods and services that defined everyday life for ordinary Soviets. You’ll also spend time in the company of novelists, painters, poets, filmmakers, impresarios, composers, revolutionaries, and intellectuals who shaped Russia in myriad ways, including The Five, a group of composers who created a distinctly national sound based in part on Russian folk music; and Sergei Eisenstein, the filmmaker whose Battleship Potemkin revolutionized the language of cinema. 

In a time when the eyes of the Western world are constantly drawn to Russia, it’s amazing how little we really know about its culture. These lectures will help you finally understand that complex, thrilling, and undeniably fascinating spirit. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your raksBooks Library along with the audio.  

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Details

Length
12 hrs and 56 mins
Release date
09-14-18
Language
English
Category
History Europe

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Listener Reviews

4.7 4.7(10 reviews)
  • 5 ★ 7
  • 4 ★ 3
  • 3 ★ 0
  • 2 ★ 0
  • 1 ★ 0
  1. 5.0(1)

    Fascinating history

    I thoroughly enjoyed this series of lectures, which give such insight into the complexity of Russian history . I feel I am a little more enlightened as to the why’s and wherefores of their political journey. Recommended listening.

    Tanya Vargas · December 22, 2023

  2. 4.0(1)

    She has a PhD

    raksBooks, Change the author's name to "Lynne Ann Hartnett, Ph.D". She earned her Ph.D in History from Boston College in 2000, so please update her name to reflect this. Thank you!

    Kellie Thomason · July 18, 2022

  3. 4.0(1)

    Amazing overview of Russia's Harrowing History

    Every single stage of Russian history is absolutely appalling and hair-raising to learn about but endlessly fascinating, too. I highly recommend this enthralling and easy-to listen-to set of lectures. The author is deeply knowledgeable and explains it all very well! I will definitely be listening to it more than once, though, as there is so much to absorb.

    Lee Robison · April 23, 2022

  4. 5.0(1)

    Great listen!!

    It was very enlightening especially at this point in time when Russia is flexing their muscles.

    Kyleigh Blackburn · April 17, 2022

  5. 5.0(1)

    Helpful Context

    While this was published in 2018 and thus does not touch on 2022 Russia, this course is helpful in understanding historical Russia and what the people and government may be thinking as the war and invasion of Ukraine occurs. Since it was written/recorded pre the war, there isn’t a lot of punditry instead just an explanation of history.

    Karlee Noble · April 3, 2022

  6. 5.0(1)

    Excellent

    The delivery is fantastic and the topic is presented in a compelling way. I highly recommend.

    Kendra Camp · March 12, 2022

  7. 4.0(1)

    Fantastic look at the history of Russia!

    Fantastic look at the history of Russia and the leaders who shaped its fortunes. Well done!

    Kassie Myers · November 19, 2020

  8. 5.0(1)

    Great introduction to Russian history and culture

    I enjoyed how it focused on historical periods and then would dive into social and cultural topics. The historical context made the art more meaningful and gave a strong impression of the Russian culture.

    Hope Craft · November 5, 2019

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