Central Asians Under Russian Rule - (Cornell Paperbacks) by Elizabeth E Bacon (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published in 1966, this edition of Elizabeth E. Bacon's classic work of history and ethnography includes an extensive introduction by Michael M. J. Fischer that surveys developments in our knowledge of Central Asia in the fifteen years...

Book Synopsis

Originally published in 1966, this edition of Elizabeth E. Bacon's classic work of history and ethnography includes an extensive introduction by Michael M. J. Fischer that surveys developments in our knowledge of Central Asia in the fifteen years since its initial publication while speaking to the timeless qualities of Bacon's original research and insights.

Review Quotes

Central Asians under Russian Rule is at the same time a useful compendium of facts on the native cultures and customs of the pastoral and oasis peoples, and a survey and assessment of the changes wrought in their ways by Russian and Soviet influences.

Bacon has produced a landmark study of cultural change in Soviet Central Asia after a century of intensive modernization. She expertly weaves the historical, linguistic, geographic, political, economic, and cultural threads of the region into a fascinating narrative with well-selected photographs and an extensive bibliography. Highly recommended to specialist and generalist alike.

Bacon's work stands the test of time amazingly well. Her book may still be the best general introduction to modern Central Asia, especially regarding the sensitive topic of identity and Russification.

This objective, readable account will be a useful addition to literature on Central Asia. The book is well documented with an extensive bibliography.

This well-written book points to an interesting selectivity in the adoption or, on the contrary, rejection of an imported culture.

About the Author

The late Elizabeth Bacon was Professor of Anthropology at Michigan State University.