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Russia : the story of war

Title
Russia : the story of war / Gregory Carleton.
ISBN
9780674972483
0674972481
Publication
Cambridge, Massachusetts : The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2017.
Copyright Notice Date
©2017
Physical Description
288 pages : illustrations, maps ; 22 cm
Summary
For a millennium Russia's lands have been one of the world's great battlefields. The scope, savagery and frequency of conflict that have ravaged this area are almost unprecedented. The largest armies, the biggest battles, the worst losses of life--all of these superlatives would rightfully, and tragically, point there. This fate has had a profound impact on how Russia sees itself in the world, producing a myth of exceptionalism anchored in war. No other nation, it holds, has sacrificed like Russia, particularly in defeating titans like Napoleon and Hitler. Russia: The Story of War is the first book to explore how this idea has become a cornerstone of national identity for Russia in the modern age. It showcases how for centuries the nation's political and cultural leaders have used this experience to counter its reputation as an insatiable aggressor and help process the trauma of repeated invasions, civil wars and their often colossal body counts. It also demonstrates how Russia's belief in its own exceptionalism can erase the sting of defeat, turn isolation into a virtuous destiny, and elevate the whole of its bloody history into a source of unbroken pride. This book opens a new door on Russia that is essential in order to understand its self-image and worldview--perhaps more so now than ever before. If Russia and the idea of war seem inseparable to us, the same holds true there as well. It's just different. Quite different.-- Provided by publisher.
Format
Books
Language
English
Added to Catalog
May 02, 2017
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents
Pedigree
A myth comes of age
The burden of victory
Halo of blood
Defeat undone
Deadliest sin
War neverending.
Citation

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