The Russian Revolution: A New History
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Sean McMeekin |
| Products | History book |
| Website | www |
The Russian Revolution: A New History is Sean McMeekin’s political account of the Russian Revolution, released by Basic Books in 2017 to mark the revolution’s 100th anniversary.
Synopsis
Spanning approximately 1904 to 1921, The Russian Revolution concentrates mainly on the period leading up to 1917, particularly the February Revolution and October Revolution. The work offers a broad examination of early 20th-century Russia, exploring elements from Nicolas II's rule through the Bolshevik takeover and the Soviet Union’s emergence amid the civil war.
Structured into four sections—historical context, events before 1917, the revolutions of 1917, and their consequences—the book opens with a prologue and closes with an epilogue that present McMeekin’s analysis. The narrative primarily focuses on the Bolshevik faction, their leadership, and the factors that enabled their ascent.
A central theme is the interplay among the Tsar, the conscripted military, and the Russian population, underscoring how autocracy’s fragility stemmed from lacking intermediary institutions. This relationship proved crucial during widespread dissatisfaction caused by World War I and the army's eventual rebellion by 1917. Another significant aspect is Lenin’s connection to Germany and how German interests may have exploited the Bolsheviks to undermine Russia’s campaign against the Entente powers. This international perspective places the revolution within a wider geopolitical context of the early 1900s.
The unsuccessful Bolshevik attempt in July 1917 and the provisional government’s inadequate reaction are depicted as key factors accelerating its downfall. McMeekin contends that the Bolshevik takeover was not predetermined but emerged from a blend of mismanagement, chance occurrences, fortune, and external meddling.
Perspective
In a review for the Christian Science Monitor, Terry Hartle underscores McMeekin's emphasis on individual agency, stating, "Historians frequently debate whether individuals shape history or are shaped by it. In regard to the Russian Revolution and Soviet Union’s rise, it is evident that decisions made—or avoided—by key figures at critical moments profoundly influenced outcomes."
McMeekin’s interpretation of communism aligns with thinkers such as Richard Pipes and Orlando Figes. Michael Grove of the London Times characterizes the Bolsheviks and their leaders as orchestrating "the most successful criminal conspiracy in history," highlighting how a fractured liberal opposition allowed a merciless ideological adversary to prevail.
The book concludes with an epilogue that distills McMeekin’s principal conclusions while drawing connections between early twentieth-century developments and modern political dynamics. He observes:
"As nuclear arms emerged from the ideological upheaval of 1917, Leninism too is irreversible. Social inequality endures despite socialist efforts to eliminate it. While most reformers accept constraints on government control over economic matters and free speech, Leninist impulses reappear among determined, ruthless actors during crises such as depressions or wars."
"... Marxist maximalist socialism is witnessing a resurgence in popularity within the United States and other Western capitalist nations."
Reception
Sean McMeekin is recognized as an accomplished historian who adeptly navigates readers through the intricate developments of the revolution with both clarity and perceptiveness. Critics have applauded his meticulous scholarship and engaging storytelling that spans a broad historical context.
Although the work does not provide a conclusive explanation for the rise of this oppressive regime that came to dominate Russia and international communism, it motivates readers to delve deeper into the revolution’s complex past.
Release information
- Hardcover: 2017 (First Edition), Basic Books, 496 pages. ISBN 978-0465039906.
- Paperback: 2021 (First Edition), Basic Books, 496 pages. ISBN 978-1541675483.
- Audiobook: 2017, narrated by Pete Larkin, Hachette Audio, duration 15 hours 3 minutes.
- Russia in Flames: War, Revolution, Civil War, 1914–1921
- Russia in Revolution: An Empire in Crisis, 1890 to 1928
- A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution: 1891-1924
- Russia: Revolution and Civil War, 1917—1921
See also
Reviews
- Michael B. Dougherty, National Review, August 31, 2018 – Evaluation of Sean McMeekin's revisionist perspective on the Russian Revolution.
- Gregory Feifer, The New York Times, June 6, 2017 – Examination of McMeekin’s reassessment of the revolution’s principal figures.
- Michael Gove, The Times, June 3, 2017 – Critique emphasizing the book’s novel viewpoint.
- Terry Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, June 1, 2017 – Commends the book as an outstanding narrative of a pivotal historical event.
- William Hawes, New York Journal of Books, 2017 – Detailed critique of McMeekin’s publication.
- Nathan Heath, Providence Magazine, June 11, 2018 – Analytical review focusing on the author’s interpretation of communism.
- Jennifer L. Lambe, Journal of World History, 2020 – Scholarly comparison between McMeekin’s work and other studies on revolutionary history.
- Catherine Merridale, Financial Times, June 2, 2017 – Review highlighting the historical insights offered.
- Daniel Orlovsky, Slavic Review, 2017 – Academic assessment addressing McMeekin's research approach.
- Geoffrey Roberts, The Irish Times, August 19, 2017 – Comparative analysis with other literature on Russian history.
- Krassen Stanchev, Acton Institute, November 10, 2017 – Business-oriented review of historical interpretations.
- Ronald G. Suny, The Historian, December 7, 2018 – Scholarly evaluation of McMeekin’s contribution to Russian historiography.
- Willie Thompson, European History Quarterly, January 1, 2018 – Review underscoring the book’s influence on revolution scholarship.
External links
- The Russian Revolution: A New History Book Website; Basic Books
- Sean McMeekin on C-SPAN