Children of the Gulag Book

Moss presents the cold, hard facts of early Russian history in a highly readable and accessible format. The language and format is so comfortable that many times I forgot that I was reading this on assignment. The "Part" introductions provide a very good overview of the chapters to come, and are useful tools for reviewing (or cramming) the comprehensive material of the text. Moss has copious footnotes and annotations to provide for further reading, and provides a "Suggested Sources" at the end of every chapter for even more reading. Appendices include a Timeline of everything that is described in the book (excellent for review and testing oneself), a more-than-sufficient bibliography, a table of Russian rulers (very useful, but oddly laid out), and a Glossary (very helpful!). I really enjoy reading the book, and I will surely complete the set with the second volume.

I have only two complaints. The first is superficial. The maps presented throughout the book are informative, but often confusing. I realize without color, maps are severely limited, but when presented with several different kinds of striped area, it's no less ambiguous than several shades of grey. For example, p 18 provides an outline of Moscow, Lithuania and the Mongolian Empire. I don't understand why the four divisions of Moscow are given in 1304, 1389, 1462, and 1533, while Lithuania is given in 1304, 1377, and 1462. The Mongols are given an outline for the 15th century only! I can't compare what's happening at any given time, esp. since there's a lot of give-and-take going on during this period. This may be my own shortcoming but the map does not come off as easy to read.

Second, the binding of this book is horrible. There is no way to read the middle third of the book without breaking the spine, unless you hold it at a V shape for the two weeks or so it takes to get through that portion. It feels kind of cheap, although the paper cover seems durable. The Katzner Russian dictionary (which I highly recommend) is about the same size and depth (and color) of this volume, but it has a more pleasing cover feel and lays flat without bending the spine. Moreover, this book comes shrink-wrapped for some reason, preventing returns or exchanges. This presentation doesn't take away from the good content.

These minor complaints should not stop you from purchasing this book; if you want a broad introduction to Russian history, you need this text!