Dictionary of the Russian Revolution

This volume focuses on the events, personalities, organizations, and theory of the Russian Revolution. . . . There is excellent coverage of the myriad committees, parties, interest groups, and other organizations that had a role in shaping the events of the period. Perhaps the most appealing element of the work, however, is the very substantial coverage of broad topics. Reference Books BulletinDictionary of the Russian Revolution is designed to fill a gap in the reference literature by providing detailed, comprehensive information about the myriad institutions, events, and personalities that appeared, influenced, or were affected by the course of the Russian Revolution of 1917. Although many histories offer excellent accounts of the course of events, students and researchers often want to know more about specific aspects than such works are intended to furnish. The present work contains some 300 entries covering seven general categories in depth: social forces; political parties; prominent individuals; institutions, groups, and associations; significant events in the revolutionary calendar; consideration of the revolution by area, region, and/or nationality group; and other major themes or topics. For each, the volume breaks new ground by drawing together the insights and scholarship of a new generation of professionals interested in the social, economic, institutional, and cultural dimensions of the revolution.The dictionary is composed of two types of entries: some 100 major articles treating particularly significant issues, and 200 shorter entries. Each of the major articles is written by a prominent scholar in the field and includes a brief English and Russian or other foreign language bibliography of the most important literature and sources for further study. The primary focus of the volume is the events of 1917 and their multifaceted effects. Entries covering the most salient themes of the last years of the old regime and the first steps of the new Soviet power are also included to provide further insight into the revolution itself. Invaluable as an authoritative, up-to-date research and reference tool for Russian history scholars, the dictionary will also be indispensable for students of Russian politics, radicalism, and modern history.

?. . . the Dictionary comes highly recommended as a source of easily accessible information about the diverse events, personages, and institutions that constitute the history of the Russian Revolution. It can be utilized with benefit by teachers and students-alike, and by those in the general public interested in finding out more about one of the most important events in modern world history.?-Russian Review, ?. . . In short, libraries that can afford to would do well to consider acquiring both volumes, as each contains a considerable amount of material not found in the other, and each is likely to be used in a slightly different way.?-College & Research Libraries, ?A handsomely produced guide to the major parties, institutions, figures, movements, and concepts associated with the Russian Revolution of 1917-21. With contributions from about 100 scholars, the dictionary contains a wide array of articles, ranging from a few hundred to 2,500 words in length. Many of the articles are signed, and most include a brief bibliography. All the standard events, institutions, and figures are covered, such as the Red Army, the Provisional Government, the Civil War, and the Russian Communist League of Youth. In addition, the dictionary includes entries on broad, complex issues (e.g. literature and the Revolution, the agrarian question, historiography) and on the Revolution in various geographic areas (e.g., the Revolution in Georgia, the Baltic States, Siberia). Considerable space is also devoted to areas sometimes neglected, such as the role of the national minorities. The dictionary boasts all the niceties: maps, copious cross-references, pseudonyms, acronyms, the Russian-language names of major institutions, and both name and subject indexes. Its appendixes include a summary of the 1918 Soviet Constitution and census data. This excellent guide is recommended for all academic, research and large public libraries.?-Choice, ?This volume focuses on the events, personalities, organizations, and theory of the Russian Revolution. Under the general editorship of Hofstra University history professor George Jackson, Dictionary of the Russian Revolution consists of some 300 entries. Of these, approximately one-third are long essays ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 words. The remaining 200 shorter entries average 500 to 600 words. Jackson has recruited some 100 contributors for this work, most of whom are academics and all of whom are affiliated with institutions in the West. . . . There is excellent coverage of the myriad committees, parties, interest groups, and other organizations that had a role in shaping the events of the period. Perhaps the most appealing element of the work, however, is the very substantial coverage of broad topics such as Agricultural Policy, Art and the October Revolution, National Question and the Russian Revolution, and so forth. These lengthy essays provide the reader with a cogent discussion of the topic as it relates to the Revolution; they often serve as an excellent framework for further exploration in the volume as well. The writing throughout the work is clear and interesting. Articles are signed, and most entries cite from three to a half-dozen bibliographic references--most, but by no means all, in English. The volume is arranged alphabetically, and the choice of entry terms is excellent. Cross-reference to other entries is accomplished by the use of an asterisk following the appropriate terms in the text. The book concludes with a chronology, various appendixes, maps, and detailed name and subject indexes.?-Reference Books Bulletin, ." . . the Dictionary comes highly recommended as a source of easily accessible information about the diverse events, personages, and institutions that constitute the history of the Russian Revolution. It can be utilized with benefit by teachers and students-alike, and by those in the general public interested in finding out more about one of the most important events in modern world history."-Russian Review

GEORGE JACKSON is Professor of History at Hofstra University.ROBERT DEVLIN is Assistant Professor at Adelphi University.