The History of Russia: From the Mongol Invasion to the Fall of the Soviet Empire (Paperback)
A fascinating, lively, and wide-ranging history of Russia, from the Mongol invasions to the present day. From monarchy to the world's first socialist state, from communism to capitalism, from mass poverty to Europe's new super rich, Russia has seen immense revolutions in just the past century. In that time, it has also endured civil war, world war, and the Cold War. Russia's history is also spiked with mystery. Did Stalin shoot his wife? Who ordered the killing of Rasputin? Or the shooting of Anna Politkovskaya? What involvement and influence did Russian intelligence have on the 2016 U.S. Election? Why did Putin invade Ukraine in 2022? In addition, Russia has a history of appalling disasters, such as the sinking of the Kursk submarine. Ranging from medieval Kievan Rus' to Vladimir Putin, The History of Russia explores the murder, brutality, genocide, insanity, and skullduggery of the efforts to seize, and then maintain, power in the Slav heartland.
Michael Kerrigan was educated at St. Edward's College and University College, Oxford, England. He is the author of The History of Death, The Roman Emperors: A Dark History, Ancients in Their Own Words, World War II Plans That Never Happened, and American Presidents: A Dark History. He is a columnist, book reviewer, and feature writer for publications including the Scotsman and the Times Literary Supplement. Michael lives with his family in Edinburgh.