The Story of Russia

Orlando Figes' "The Story of Russia" offers a spellbinding and essential journey through a thousand years of Russian history, illuminating how the nation's constantly reinvented narratives have shaped its identity and destiny. Far from a dry chronology, Figes masterfully unravels the myths and stories Russians have told themselves, from the crowning of Ivan the Terrible to the tragic fall of the Romanovs, revealing the vibrant characters and pivotal events that have molded this vast and complex country. The book argues compellingly that to truly grasp the contemporary political landscape, particularly Putin's Russia, one must first understand its deep historical roots and the recurring themes of autocracy, imperial ambition, and cultural introspection. Drawing on a lifetime of scholarship, Figes provides a lucid and immersive account, making sense of Russia's past to inform its present and future, offering critical insight into one of the world's most enigmatic and influential nations.