Stalinism - (Blackwell Essential Readings in History) by David Hoffmann (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This book comprises 11 essays on Stalinism by both eminent historians and younger scholars who have conducted research in the newly opened Russian archives. They discuss both the origins and consequences of Stalinism, and illustrate recent scholarly trends in the field of Soviet history.

• A collection of essays on Stalinism by both eminent and younger scholars.
  
• Discusses both the origins and consequences of Stalinism.
  
• Provides an overview of the debates for students new to the subject.
  
• Includes the results of research in the newly opened Russian archives.

From the Back Cover

This book comprises twelve essays on Stalinism by leading international historians, whose work presents a range of interpretations regarding Stalinism's origins and consequences. In particular the essays address the following questions:

• why did the October Revolution of 1917 result not in a communist utopia but in the Stalinist dictatorship, with prison camps, bloody purges, and unprecedented state repression?


• was Stalin personally to blame or were these events the result of social forces, socialist ideology, or the international threat?


• how did Stalinism affect women and gender roles?


• what was Stalinist policy toward ethnic and national minorities?


• what impact did the Second World War have on Soviet society?

The chapters include work by both eminent historians and younger scholars who have conducted research in the newly-opened Russian archives. These perspectives are brought together by the editor who provides a contextualizing chapter and introductions to the debates. The book provides students and teachers with a valuable overview of the scholarship on Stalinism and an understanding of the debates that have shaped the field of Soviet history.

Review Quotes

"The often contentious scholarly arguments about the character of Stalinism are fully represented in this important volume assembled and introduced by Ohio State's David Hoffmann. Perfect for the classroom, the essays in this book contain some of the best recent research and thinking about Stalin's key role in Russian History."Norman Naimark, Stanford University

"This is a collection of enormous value to anyone seeking to understand the causes and consequences of Stalin's despotic transformation of Soviet society. It brings together some of the finest historical writing, including more recent scholarship, to reflect the diversity of interpretation of this grim but vitally important episode in twentieth-century history." Steve Smith, University of Essex

"Soviet historical studies have been reanimated ... Students and teachers oof this period confront a proliferation of authorities and viewpoints. The strength of David Hoffmann's collection is in its attempt to replect this variety of views." Continuity and Change

"Brilliant and illuminating analyses. Hoffman provides a range of first-rate critiques of the regime from various angles." Journal of Genocide Research

About the Author

David L. Hoffmann is Professor of History at Ohio State University where he teaches Russian History, including an upper-level course on Stalinism. His research focuses on the political, social, and cultural history of the Stalin era. He is author of Peasant Metropolis: Social Identities in Moscow, 1929-1941 (1994); Stalinist Values: The Cultural Norms of Soviet Modernity, 1917-1941 (2003). He is also the co-editor of Russian Modernity: Politics, Knowledge, Practices (2000), and the co-author of Cultivating the Masses: The Modern Social State in Russia, 1914-1941 (forthcoming).