"This memoir tell the story of a woman who at age eighteen played an important role in the coup that brought Catherine the Great to the throne. The relationship between these two women, often tense, is a central theme throughout this story. Dashkova, occupying the highly unusual position of both stateswoman and mother, also reveals her own path between the demands and limitations of the private and public spheres of her society. She provides a view of the expectations of Russian aristocratic women, the possibilities available to them, and the ways in which gender roles were conceived in the eighteenth century."--[book cover].

An original and thought-provoking text, Russian and Soviet History uses noteworthy themes and important events from Russian history to spark classroom discussion. Consisting of twenty essays written by experts in each area, the book showcases current thinking on Russian cultural, political, economic, and social history from the sixteenth century to the demise of the Soviet "experiment." Informed by both archival work and published sources, this text introduces students to Russian history in an accessible and provocative format, and its eclectic essays offer readers an incomparable taste of the complexity and richness of Russia.

"Gorshkov's introduction provides some basic knowledge about Russian serfdom and draws upon the most recent scholarship. Notes provide references and general information about events, places and people mentioned in the memoirs."--Jacket.

Originally published in hardcover in 1998.

A wartime memoir through the eyes of a Russian child.

Akhmatova was a leading figure in the renaissance of Russian poetry earlier this century who, despite seeing family and friends deported to labour camps under Stalin, intervened on behalf of Brodsky. In this book, her literary secretary and friend celebrates her work, life and courage.