Rethinking the Gulag: Identities, Sources, Legacies

The Soviet Gulag was a large, complex, and deadly system of incarceration in the 20th century, including labor camps, prisons, and exile settlements. Rethinking the Gulag: Identities, Sources, and Legacies explores the Soviet penal system from various disciplinary perspectives, focusing on identities, sources, and legacies. It unearths the complexities and nuances of experience that represent a primary focus in the new wave of Gulag studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

The Soviet Gulag, a system of incarceration that emerged during the 20th century, stands as one of the largest, most complex, and deadliest in human history. Spanning vast geographic expanses, encompassing a diverse range of institutions, and bringing together inmates from all ethnicities, professions, and social classes within the Soviet Union, this network of labor camps and prisons, exile settlements, and other forms of detention left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. In order to better understand the lessons that can be drawn from the Gulag's network of labor camps and prisons and exile settlements, it is essential to examine it from various disciplinary perspectives.

Rethinking the Gulag: Identities, Sources, Legacies, a comprehensive collection of essays, seeks to explore the Soviet penal system from these diverse angles. The book is divided into three sections, each offering a unique perspective on the Gulag.

The first section, titled "Identities," delves into the lived experiences of contingents of detainees who have often been overlooked in previous Gulag histories. These include common criminals, religious figures, and political dissidents, among others. By examining the experiences of these individuals, the book aims to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the Gulag's population.

The second section, titled "Sources," explores the potential of new research methods to revolutionize our understanding of the Gulag. The authors discuss the use of archival materials, oral histories, and other forms of evidence to uncover previously unknown aspects of the system. They argue that these methods can provide a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the experiences of those who were incarcerated in the Gulag.

The third section, titled "Legacies," examines the long-term effects of the Gulag on society. The authors explore the folk beliefs and traditions that have been inspired by the Gulag, as well as the museums that have been built to memorialize it. They also consider the ways in which the Gulag continues to shape Russian and Soviet culture and politics today.

Throughout the book, a series of reactions by leading researchers in the field of Gulag studies are included. These reactions provide additional insights and perspectives on the topics discussed in each section.

One of the key strengths of Rethinking the Gulag is its commitment to moving away from grand metaphorical or theoretical models of the Gulag. Instead, the book focuses on unearthing the complexities and nuances of experience that represent a primary focus in the new wave of Gulag studies. By examining the experiences of individual detainees and exploring the various sources and legacies of the Gulag, the book offers a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of this dark chapter in human history.

In conclusion, Rethinking the Gulag: Identities, Sources, Legacies is a valuable contribution to the field of Gulag studies. By examining the Gulag from various disciplinary perspectives and using new research methods, the book offers a fresh and nuanced understanding of this complex and tragic period in history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the Gulag and its enduring impact on society.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253059611