The Story of Russia

By: Orlando Figes

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

From “the great storyteller of Russian history”, a brilliantly colored account of the myths that have shaped and reshaped Russia’s identity and politics from its founding

Who were the Rus, the ancient tribe from which the Russians trace their origins? Were they Baltic Slavs, hailing from within the territory that would become Russia? Or were they Vikings from Scandinavia, who came in from the outside to organize chaotic warring groups? Russians initially embraced the former theory, following a surge in nationalist sentiment, but autocrats, including Catherine the Great, came to trumpet the latter, which supported the notion that the Russian people are incapable of self-governance. Both sides were using history to create myths, narratives of national identity that could be deployed for their own political ends.

The Story of Russia is about how the Russians defined themselves―and repeatedly reinvented such definitions along the way. Moving from Russia’s agrarian beginnings in the first millennium to subsequent periods of monarchy, totalitarianism, and perestroika, all the way up to Vladimir Putin and his use of myths of Russian history to bolster his regime, celebrated historian Orlando Figes examines the ideas that have guided the country’s actions: the need for autocracy to rule Russia’s vast land; the veneration of the “Holy Tsar” and the cult of the leader; the belief in an essentially Russian collectivist spirit; and the oscillation between Russia’s European and Eurasian character.

With beautiful writing and alluring perspectives, The Story of Russia is as much about the myths and ideologies that have shaped Russian history―about the ways the Russians have interpreted their past―as it is about the events, institutions, social groups, and leaders that have made that history. And as modern Russia retreats from Europe, this authoritative account of Russia’s past might well elucidate its future.

©2022 Orlando Figes (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Need to listen!

History has an important aspect to consider
In current circumstances. Think-critically about what your government tells you

Wonderful book

I am so happy that I listened to this book. Putin has done more to destroy Russia than anyone that preceded him.

well written

it was an easy read and is nicely organized I only wish it were a little more detailed

Readers ability to verbally present situations and help the listener visualize the event. Made understanding more clear.

I enjoy Russian history and the reader made each period more interesting , informative and entertaining

Amazing, Of Course

Yet another great book by the master of Russian history. And such an important story explaining the context of the war in Ukraine.

Russian History

Very well done and spoken. The book gave so much in detail and the Narrator did an outstanding job!

Interesting Story

A very absorbing read. I was particularly interested in the concept of an autocratic government throughout Russias history. In some of the narrative such as the war with Napoleon I would liked more content but overall it shines as a concise history. The narration was excellent as well.

One stop shop

Great one stop shop to help explain why Russia is the way it is today.

Great information

If you are looking for a brief summary of the history of Russia, this is a good book.

Very good overview of Russian history

It's hard to write about 1000 years of history in one country (or multiple countries, given the reach of empire in both monarchal amd Soviet forms) but this book provides a very good overview with interesting highlights on specific periods to weave a general overview of Russian thinking about the country's nationhood and identity.

Eerie parallels emerge in earlier episodes of Russian history with the events unfolding in Ukraine today in terms of Russian military approaches and mentalities. The one difference now is the country's possession of nuclear weapons, which doesn't get much attention in the chapters on Soviet history but now clearly play a deciding role in policy options and responses to the Russian-initiated war in Ukraine

Great reading by the narrator despite some instances of misplaced stress in Russian terminology.