19 best books on the history of Russia
All those who want to know better about the past of their country, the orders and traditions of those centuries should purchase books on the history of Russia. We have compiled a list of the best publications, where we are talking about the main episodes in the life of our state. The rating includes the great works of famous personalities, the significance of which is confirmed not only by the readers' reviews, but also by the opinions of respected critics.
Rating the best books on the history of Russia
Illustrated Russian history, Vasily Klyuchevsky
Rating: 4.9
The book is opened by Vasily Klyuchevsky, which is a classic work, accompanied by a huge number of unique illustrations (more than 800). This is a great work. Modern readers and fans of national history are proud of them. Vasily Osipovich embraced in his work the period from ancient times to the era of Alexander the Second. The whole text is divided into small parts, it is easy and convenient to read. It is a comprehensive presentation of lectures by the historian and retains all the important details. The narrative is inherent in fiction and is not without dates and facts.
The owners of the book are delighted with colorful illustrations, among which there are reproductions of famous paintings. Readers advise schoolchildren and university students, as well as those who want to learn more about the past of the country, to acquire a source of knowledge.
History of the Russian State, N. M. Karamzin
Rating: 4.8
The first complete work on the past of the Fatherland is considered to be the “History of the Russian State”, written by the largest writer Nikolai Mikhailovich. The author is known worldwide as a reformer of language in the literary genre. It was Karamzin who showed the history of the state, as it is, to the general public. For the society of that time, the book was a real discovery.
In his work, the author does not act as a historian. He describes the fateful facts, caring for eloquence and not drawing conclusions from the events. His syllable is light, clear and original. Multivolume work describes incidents from ancient times to a period of unrest.It is a pity that the writer has not managed to finish his work, in which today there are 12 volumes.
Russia is young, Yuri German
Rating: 4.8
Unlike other participants of the rating, the book “Russia is young” tells about the history of the Fatherland specifically at the time of Peter the Great. It is very interesting to describe the characters and how they changed, becoming statesmen. The theme of betrayal on the part of high-ranking officials, plans of foreigners for the destruction of Russia was sounded in Roman.
Reading the work, you get excited about the pride of the people, for those people who defended their homeland. It becomes bitter from injustice, hard from suffering and grief of people. In 1981, a movie based on this book was released. The novel is recommended for reading by many lovers of national history.
RUSSIAN HISTORY FROM THE ANCIENT TIMES, S. M. Solov'ev
Rating: 4.7
A series of books by Sergei Solovyov is considered a fundamental work. It was created from 1851 to 1879. There are a total of 29 volumes in the publication. This is the most important thing in the life of a writer. The final volume, however, was put on sale after his death. It describes the times of signing a peace treaty between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. All material is based on real data.
In terms of completeness, the book "History of Russia since ancient times" is the most rich repository of facts. It contains the events of the 23th century. Work Solovyov often compared with the book Karamzin.
Slavs. Old Russian people. Historical and archaeological research, Valentin Sedov
Rating: 4.7
The next participant in the rating is a monograph that explores the Slavs in times of linguistic and ethnic unity. It was written by V. Sedov - the laureate of the state award of Russia. The source of knowledge covers a fairly long time period. It analyzes the picture of the foundation of the land by the Slavs, examines the processes of the formation of the ethnic group. From this work it is possible to find out why and how the situation developed in which the Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian peoples were formed.
Readers note that this publication is one of the best works among Russian-speaking narratives about Slavs. The information in the book is thoroughly and painstakingly selected. It is written in a strict scientific language. It is recommended to all who are attracted to history.
Part of Europe. The history of the Russian state. From the beginnings to the Mongol invasion, Boris Akunin
Rating: 4.7
The following work has some distinctive features. The first is that it was written for people who know little about the history of Russia and want to understand it. Akunin was educated historian and wrote many novels. To understand why and how the country turned out exactly as it is, he read hundreds of sources and put them into the whole picture. The second feature of the book is the absence of any concept. In it there is no opinion of the writer, only real facts, questions and answers to them.
This work is the history of the state, not the country. After all, it is the cause of all misfortunes and gains. This work was written to understand what is right in the country and what is missing.
History of Russia from Rurik to Putin. People. Developments. Dates ", Evgeny Anisimov
Rating: 4.6
In this book there is no vague facts and nameless heroes from history. It was created by Anisimov - Doctor of Historical Sciences, winner of the international award in the field of local history. The piece has a rather original structure. Along with the alternate presentation of the facts, there are chapters in “Dates”, “Events” and “People”. Each page tells about a certain historical episode, popular in those years personalities. You can read the story from almost any moment. You will not be bored with such a source of knowledge.
Some readers thought that the printed matter was more written for the West. There is information in it that does not quite coincide with the real facts. Most likely, the author has his opinion on specific episodes.Thus, the book is not recommended as a teaching tool.
Dynasty without make-up, Edvard Radzinsky
Rating: 4.6
It is no secret that Edward Radzinsky managed to make the history of the state exciting and fascinating. The series “Dynasty without make-up” consists of 12 books. All of them are written in clear language. The famous writer narrates the great revolutions and the heads of state. Books are forced to plunge into the era of Russian rulers and learn a lot of secrets about the life of kings and queens, princes and industrialists, opens his eyes to little-known facts.
According to readers' reviews, films made on the basis of the playwright's writings make no less impression. The shooting took place in the reserve museums and the State Hermitage Museum. The publication will be an excellent addition to the collection.
HISTORY OF THE RUSSIAN NATION, P. N. Milyukov
Rating: 4.5
The next participant in the rating is the work of Pavel Milyukov, a Russian political figure, historian and publicist. In 1917, he became Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Provisional Government. His book talks about the role of the Russian faith, culture, enlightenment and religion. The author tells about the European way of development, assigns the state a huge role in creating a prosperous society. Milyukov was at the epicenter of social movements and historical events that shook the empire at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, so reading the book would be even more interesting.
Fans of the publication say that this work is for people who like to think and learn everything new. Reading is a great pleasure. This is a great gift for history lovers.
MOSCOW GOSUDARI, D. Balashov
Rating: 4.5
The publication of the "Moscow Sovereigns" has collected in itself a whole book series, which is devoted to Russian history. The earliest book “The Younger Son” tells about events unfolding during the struggle for the throne between the Nevsky brothers. The second work, The Great Table, deals with the conflicts of the Tver and Moscow principalities at the beginning of the 14th century. The third edition of “The Burden of Power” tells about the time of the reign of Ivan Kalita.
In total, there are 11 books in the great work of Balashov. From them you can learn about the years of the reign of Dmitry Donskoy and the battle on the Kulikovo Field, Sergius of Radonezh, and the life activity of Metropolitan Alexy. The series is completed by the publication “Will and Power” about the reign of Basil the First. For this cycle, a talented writer was awarded a literary prize to them. L. Tolstoy in 1996.
FROM RUSSIA TO RUSSIA, Lev Gumilyov
Rating: 4.5
One of the most important works of the writer Gumilev is the book "From Russia to Russia", which highlights the national history of the Fatherland. It contains events from the first century, they end with the 18th century. The text is written in a lively and concise language. Each reader will be able to catch the main idea of the work and read it to the end with enthusiasm.
In total, there are three parts in the work - “Kiev state”, “In alliance with the Horde”, “Kingdom of Moscow”. The book seems to be a continuation of the publication "Ancient Russia and the Great Steppe." It allows you to take a fresh look at many things in history, get closer to your people and feel the spirit of that time.
Diaries princes Romanovs. Ruined lives
Rating: 4.5
Next in the ranking is an excellent biographical narration about the princesses of the Romanovs. This is a very touching and enjoyable book with a fascinating and lively plot. It opens the history of the royal family in the smallest detail, which are taken from several sources and skillfully combined into one. Helen Rappaport focuses on events in royal life, the story of death is omitted. This gives the reader the opportunity to leave in his head the image of wonderful young girls.
Fans of the book say that many of them were shocked and surprised. They had to go online to find out more about the character or incident. Pleases a lot of beautiful photos. Especially enjoy the book of the beautiful half of humanity.
ALEXANDER I AND DECCBRISTS: RUSSIA IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE XIX CENTURY. CHOOSE THE PATH
Rating: 4.5
The next book will be to the liking of all who are interested in history. It reveals many interesting facts that help to better understand the events of past years. Decembrist uprising is painted by the minute, a lot of attention is paid to domestic and foreign policy. The work is written by an archivist and professor Sergey Mironenko. At the end of the story, the author answers the question “Why the reforms failed”.
More than 80 percent of the text information is archival materials, published memoirs. Past this work is difficult to pass. However, those who have not read anything like this may not be very entertaining.
Two Ways of Russia, Richard Pipes
Rating: 4.4
The appearance of the next book the world is obliged to the American historian. Richard Pipes has written numerous works and articles on the theme of the Soviet Union and the problems of modern life in our country. According to him, the Russians consider themselves separated from society, they are constantly looking for a model of behavior and compensate for their confusion with aggressive actions.
The author dwells on the following questions - how to abandon the previous model of government, how to competently conduct foreign policy. The owners of the book say that reading texts is very interesting. Everyone has their own opinion on the point of view of Pipes, and how can it be without it.
Choosing your story. The fork in the way of Russia: from Rurikovich to oligarchs, Igor Kurukin, Irina Karatsuba, Nikita Sokolov
Rating: 4.4
The next participant in the ranking is compared with the work “History of Russia. The end or the new beginning? Indeed, both books are written by three authors, approximately equivalent in size and tell about the history of Russia. In contrast to the publication of Akhiezer, this work is a conscientious retelling of the facts with minimal conclusions.
The authors collected the most significant episodes, which turned the development of the state in a different direction. According to their story, one can imagine where our people would go if they chose a different path. Readers say that there are too many details and trifles in the book that are unlikely to be remembered.
Genghis Khan, Vasily Yang
Rating: 4.4
The book of Vasily Young is rightfully considered one of the best works about Genghis Khan. Its author is a famous publicist, travel lover and a person who was seriously interested in history. His publication is still the object of attention and is widely popular with famous directors and people engaged in creative activities. Based on this novel, quite a few films were shot, and entire operas were staged.
The book reliably describes the facts, there is a lot of interesting information, including about the culture of the Mongols. Some readers admit that they liked Kalashnikov’s “Cruel Age” novel more. In it, Genghis Khan is shown not as a savage, but as a cruel warrior commander. The character of Vasily Young seemed to them unnatural.
Word about Igor's regiment, unknown author
Rating: 4.3
The outstanding work of the poetry of ancient Russia is considered to be the “Word about the regiment of Igor”. It tells about the campaign of Prince Igor Svyatoslavovich in the 12th century, which ended unsuccessfully. The author of the publication is unknown. He calls on the princes to unite the Russian lands and end the internal enmity. The book is imbued with the idea of patriotism, combines the motifs and images of Slavic mythology, folk poetry. “The Word” is very different from the “competitors” from the rating and is one of the significant achievements of the European epic of the Middle Ages.
The work is included in the list of mandatory books on the program of schools in Russia. It is a pity that few people can remember at least a few lines of it. The story with a rich history develops and pushes for reflection, it does not lose relevance to this day.
Historical miniatures, Valentin Pikul
Rating: 4.2
The final rating book is short stories based on historical documents. The narrative is entirely composed of fate, curious cases and episodes. It is convenient to listen to in audio format.The book includes such miniatures as “Lonely in his loneliness”, “Autograph under the clouds”, “Sandunovsky baths”.
Readers say that there is something in it that is not found in the history books. Around the author had an ambiguous opinion. However, there were fans of his work, who consider the historical stories of Pikul interesting and informative. There are those who simply do not perceive the book writer.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.
