We Are Building Capitalism! - by Robert Stephenson (Paperback)

About the Book

Robert Stephenson's book focuses on Moscow following the collapse of the USSR and provides a unique pictorial view of daily life in Russia's capital city during the turbulent early years of transition to market capitalism.

Book Synopsis

Robert Stephenson's book focuses on Moscow following the collapse of the USSR and provides a unique pictorial view of daily life in Russia's capital city during the turbulent early years of transition to market capitalism. Original photographs and supporting narrative by the author, who lived in the city throughout the time, show how the old Soviet capital and its inhabitants adapted to a new capitalist reality as Russia opened its doors wide to new influences, ideas and possibilities.

This was a time of promise and protest, revolution and reaction, with Moscow at the centre of the changes. While Soviet monuments, cars and domestic appliances were abandoned and thrown on the rubbish heap, a new consumer society gradually asserted itself. New ideologies and beliefs challenged and clashed with previous orthodoxies. At the same time resistance to reform and western influence was also emerging, and new certainties were sought in the return of old, pre-Soviet symbols and values.

The book portrays the country's capital in the epoch-making period between the fall of communism and the establishment of the modern Russian state and provides a new and intriguing source of original material for all scholars and general readers interested in modern Russian history and culture.

Photographs by Robert Stephenson.

Publishers Maxim Hodak & Max Mendor.

Review Quotes

"This fascinating new book will appeal to both scholars and general readers. Combining a keen eye for detail with a sensitive and humanistic touch, Robert Stephenson's original photographs marvellously capture the unexpected contradictions of the early post-communist 'transition' period in Moscow in the 1990s. Complemented by an insightful and witty narrative, these unique images portray the everyday effects of the tumultuous changes and reforms of the 1990s. Through changing consumer cultures, transportation, architecture, religion, folk life, the arts, and of course politics, Stephenson takes the reader on a whirlwind tour that sheds new light on the city during a turbulent period in recent Russian history." Prof. Sarah D. Phillips, Director, Russian & East European Institute, Indiana University

"Perhaps an alternative title to this treasure trove of photographs and memories could be taken from the photo of the dilapidated main entrance to Moscow Zoo: 'Comrade Visitors! First look at the old territory, then pass on to the new'. Thanks to Stephenson, his camera and his wit, we have here a wonderful vision of how Moscow was some 30 years ago; if you go there now and 'pass on to the new', you will see somewhere very different; yet not always better." Stephen Dalziel, SD Writing

"This evocative collection of photographs is accompanied by a clear and sensible text. It vividly describes how Moscow made a surprisingly peaceful transition from Soviet communism to a flawed capitalism which greatly increased the prosperity of of its ordinary citizens, but left many of them deeply dissatisfied with the huge political, economic, social and personal changes that had been imposed on them with such suddenness." Sir Rodric Braithwaite, British Ambassador in Moscow in the 1990s

"Each of Stephenson's image glows with sensitivity and an extraordinary empathetic attitude of the city and its inhabitants at different times of the year and with great affection. For city researchers, travelers and urbanists, Stephenson's book sends a message of hope: every city is vibrant and strong when its residents feel it. The book is modern pictorial cultural history at its best!" Professor Laura Kolbe, The University of Helsinki

"Stephenson has not said so in his book, but he would not be the first to recognize that, however rough the overall situation may be, there is courage and worth in very many individual Russian people. What seems - and often is - extraordinary and even dangerous from the outside can soon become quite normal once you are living in it." Sir Andrew Wood (British Ambassador to Russia from 1995 to 2000), Los Angeles Review of Books

"The book is beautifully produced in landscape A4 format, and the photographs are vividly reproduced. I found myself reliving my own experiences during those turbulent years. [...] This gorgeous book is recommended to anyone who wants to view, if not experience, how life carried on." Bill Bowring, SCRSS Digest

"Stephenson was a chronicler, not a high-concept artist. This is not an Instagram-friendly collection of arty confections, but rather a wide-eyed visual diary of the times. [...] As someone who still remember the 1990s with a complex mix of nostalgia, horror and depression, this was a poignant reminder. As a scholar, though, I think this is a tremendously useful visual source, illustrating and illuminating everything from the reconstruction of the city to the reshaping of its people, economy and culture, and greatly to be welcomed." Dr Mark Galeotti, In Moscow's Shadow