13 best books on Russian history

1. "Slavs. Old Russian nationality. Historical and archaeological research, "Valentin Sedov

Well-known Russian archaeologist Valentin Sedov made an enormous contribution to the study of the ethnogenesis of the Slavs. In this edition, you will learn about two of the most famous works of the scientist-Slavist. They cover the time period from the first century BC to early the Middle Ages. From the book you will know when to start an independent path and the Slavs as a separate ethnic groups and languages ​​were formed.

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2. "Russian Illustrated History" Basil Klyuchevskii

The great Russian historian, academician and professor at Moscow University believed the story matron, severely punished for the ignorance of the lessons. For the first time a series of lectures presented in the book, was published in 1904. The current edition is accompanied by colorful illustrations, inspired by vintage prints and drawings.

The author not only clear and interesting describes the major milestones of Russian history, but also offers a cogent analysis, and expressed their own opinions about the events.

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3. "Genghis Khan", Vasily Yan

For his novel, in which we are talking about the conquest of Central Asia, Vasily Yan, Russian and Soviet writer, received in 1942 the Stalin Prize. Mongol ruler Genghis Khan defeated the rich and powerful kingdom of Khorezm, picked up close to the Polovtsian steppes and, later, to the borders of Russia. Thus began a confrontation between two strong opponents, lingering for hundreds of years.

Novel Vasily Yan has become a classic of Soviet historical prose and does not lose popularity in our time.

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4. "Lay", an unknown author

This is the greatest monument of literature of ancient Russia. The plot is taken for an unsuccessful campaign of the Russian princes, led by Igor's Polovtsy on in 1185. The most famous part of the work - lament Yaroslavna, the young wife of Prince Igor. The episode reflects the pain of all Russian mothers and wives of the departed soldiers on the battlefield.

"Lay" - a work that gives an idea not only about historical events, but also about the nature of our ancestors.

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5. "History of the Russian State", Nikolai Karamzin

Historian and writer Nikolay Karamzin devoted to this work for more than 20 years of life. Essay describes the history of the country from ancient times to the Time of Troubles and the reign of Ivan the Terrible (1613). Book adapted for the modern reader and comes with rich illustrations, giving a vivid picture of the author describes the events and people.

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6. "Historical Miniatures" Valentin Pikul

Valentin Pikul - a famous Russian and Soviet writer, author of numerous works on historical themes. A series of "Historical Miniatures" - a kind of portrait gallery. In a very short novels and short stories, in the words of the widow of the writer, compressed biographies of personalities who played a significant role in Russian history.

Thumbnail could be born overnight, but its appearance was preceded by years of hard work and careful collection of information. In total, the series includes more than 50 works.

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7. "Young Russia", Yuri Herman

Screenwriter and playwright Yuri Herman wrote a novel about the beginning of change in the era of Peter the Great more than 10 years. Historical events, the author shows through the fate of the main characters of Ivan Ryabov and Selivyorstov Ievleva. Four years of German held in Arkhangelsk, where I came from Pomerania and kormschik Ivan Ryabov. The author studied the archives, work in the library.

The novel draws a clear picture of the heroes of the characters and detailed description of the life and lifestyle of residents of the Russian North.

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8. "The history of the Russian state," Boris Akunin

This is a series of books of the nine volumes devoted to different periods in the history of Russia from the Mongol invasion to the collapse of the empire. Author's purpose - to tell the story objectively, while maintaining the reliability of the facts, but it is free from any ideological influence. Professional historians refer to a series of genre pseudohistory (pseudoscientific works), but fans the writer will appreciate the corporate style of presentation, which seemed animates the characters and events of the past.

Especially for those who love historical mysteries and puzzles, the author released series "The history of the Russian state in the stories and novels." It is a real delight for the mind and soul.

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9. "Dynasty without makeup," Edvard Radzinsky

"Dynasty without makeup" - a series dedicated to the outstanding representatives of the Romanov dynasty, including the last Emperor Nicholas II. Russian writer, playwright and screenwriter writes a book about the history of Russia from the 90s. To work Radzinsky approaches with great care: visits archives, studying documents and collects all sorts of details, which will increase the viewing angle.

Radzinsky interesting history with educational perspective. The author often makes its own assessment of certain events, and tries to show the human side of famous historical figures.

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10. "History from Rurik to Putin's Russia. People. Events. Date "Yevgeny Anisimov

Evgeny Anisimov - a historian, Doctor of Science and professor of the St. Petersburg Institute of History of Sciences. In 2000 he was awarded the prestigious prize for Antsiferov contribution to the modern study of local lore. The book describes the history of the country from ancient times to the present day. Additional sections are devoted to famous historical figures and the main dates.

A living language of the author and his authoritative commentary to help readers remember learned to school the lessons of history and to take another look at the events that seem familiar and understandable.

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11. "Two Russian way", Richard Pipes

Richard Pipes - the famous American political scientist and former director of the Research Center for Russian Studies at Harvard University, author of dozens of articles on the history of the USSR. In the new book, the author expresses his point of view on the possible ways of development of modern Russia. Pipes thoroughly considering two options offered solutions and points to the uniqueness of our country has fallen historic chance.

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12. "All the Kremlin's army. A brief history of modern Russia, "Mikhail Zygar

The book of the Russian writer, director and political journalist immediately became a bestseller. In 2016, she was twice winner of the Book Runet Award in the categories "Best Seller" and "Best Digital Book". The basis of the book began to documents and interviews that the author took from the nearest Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

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13. "Choosing your story. Fork in the path of Russia from Rurik to the oligarchs, "Igor Kurukin Irina Karatsuba, Nikita Sokolov

Russian scientists-historians Igor Kurukin Irina Karatsuba and Nikita Sokolov is a collection of essays on the history of multiple forks appears on the path of the country for many centuries. This is not the version of what could be, not an alternative history, a discussion of the problem of historical the choice of the people of the spirit and philosophy that has led to some events and results in the very spirit of the famous Russian soul.

You could say this work of educating the nation's history and the ability of people to extract conclusions from different situations and lessons.

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