A Short History of Russia: How to Understand the World's Most Complex Nation

Sparkling and stimulating, crisp and compelling: not perhaps words that one would expect to describe a book on Russia's turgid and sombre history. The text is filled with illuminating insights that enable us to understand not only how Russia came to be as it is but also how Russians understand themselves; this is not so much about the past as how the past is part of the present. For example, reading of the brutal era of psychotic czar Ivan 'the Terrible' illuminates our understanding of the reign of contemporary Vlad the Vicious (Putin) that reads almost like a reincarnation. Other works may have more ponderous scholarship - one thinks of Isaiah Berlin's monumental tomes on the Russian philosophers - but this work has the virtue of brevity and lightness of touch that engages us on a journey of enlightenment. History may not repeat itself but certainly casts long shadows that this book helps to penetrate. It deserves a place on the library shelf of any self-respecting slavophile.

This is an easy read for such a huge topic, but what is described is no less striking. So much blood, so many despots, and it seems like the same things happening over and over again. But as the author points out, the problems are long-lasting, so none of the solutions can really take hold. There is a surprisingly optimistic ending, considering the current war in Ukraine, so it is possible to come away from this book with sympathy for the Russian people and with a hope that what the writer wants can prevail. Some of the writing is a little sloppy, I read this book immediately after reading Butler to the World and that is brilliantly written so this suffers from comparison.

concise, informative and easily digested overview of this complex and disturbing country

Bought as a gift

The book is ok. While the author disclaims that the length it is too short to accurately depict history, the book feels like a brain dump from an expert, rather than a carefully constructed story. I do miss footnotes or actual quotes from other books embedded in. At the end of each chapter he suggests complementary reads, which is welcomed, but it still feels more of a glossed over interpretation rather than a depiction. I've bought after this book, Serhii Plokhy's "The Gates of Europe" -on Ukrainian history I must point-, which has a far more elaborated style, is carefully constructed and well documented. Makes it more grounded, trusted and enjoyable. Serhii is a Harvard professor on the topic. On the upside, Mark's book is an easy and quick read.

I really enjoyed the accessibility, brevity and clarity. It is flawed by a repeated desire to paint Russian anxieties about hostile neighbours as unreasonable. This is, ironically, a very western centric perspective with a strong anti Putin core.. This peaks with an added chapter to cover war in Ukraine that has already aged very badly

Puts the current situation into perspective and gives context - but doesn't excuse the Russian twisted world view

A bit dry but Galleotti’s history is hard to fault

The information is presented clearly, without overwhelming the reader. Galeotti's scholarship is deep, but he is able to bring a broad view without the reader feeling that the subject is being trivialised or that complexities do not exist. At the end, I felt that I had a really usable grasp of the subject and the desire to go further. Galeotti's wry asides lightened the task of approaching something about which I had previously very little understanding, and the recommended reading offered for each chapter opens the gates to further study. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

A great way to get a thorough historical perspective on Putin as a product of one thousand years of Russian history, and indirectly, his reasons to invade Ukraine, which have deep historic roots. I don't particularly like history books, and at times it provided more detail than I wanted, but the fast-paced writing and generous sprinkle of sarcastic comments helped quite a bit.

Excellent livre d’histoire, surtout dans le contexte actuel de l’invasion Russe d’un pays indépendant.

Descritto la mentalità russa analizzando le azioni della nazione dal passato ai giorni nostri in modo molto accessibile e chiaro. Aiuta molto bene a capire tanti eventi odierni e prevedere quelli futuri.

Great book, fast delivery, pristine condition. Thank you.