Russian Utopia: A Century of Revolutionary Possibilities

Mark D. Steinberg's "Russian Utopian" explores the work of utopians during the most dramatic period in Russian and Soviet history, taking in political leaders, intellectuals, writers, artists, workers, peasants, soldiers, students, and others. It examines the notion of the Russian utopian and its significance in its various contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Winner of the 2022 Choice Outstanding Academic Titles Mark D. Steinberg explores the work of individuals he recognizes as utopians during the most dramatic period in Russian and Soviet history. It has long been a cliché to argue that Russian revolutionary movements have been inspired by varieties of ‘utopian dreaming – claims which,although not wrong,are too often used uncritically. For the first time, Russian Utopian digs deeper and asks what utopians meant at the level of ideas,emotions,and lived experience. Despite the fact that many would have resisted the ‘utopian label at the time because of its dismissive meanings, Steinbergs comprehensive approach sees him take in political leaders,intellectuals,writers,and artists (visual,material,and musical),as well as workers,peasants,soldiers,students and others. Ideologically,the figures discussed range from reactionaries to anarchists,nationalists (including non-Russians) to feminists,both religious believers and ‘the militant godless. This innovative text dissects the very notion of the Russian utopian and examines its significance in its various fascinating contexts.

Winner of the 2022 Choice Outstanding Academic Titles Mark D. Steinberg explores the work of individuals he recognizes as utopians during the most dramatic period in Russian and Soviet history. It has long been a cliché to argue that Russian revolutionary movements have been inspired by varieties of ‘utopian dreaming – claims which,although not wrong,are too often used uncritically. For the first time, Russian Utopian digs deeper and asks what utopians meant at the level of ideas,emotions,and lived experience. Despite the fact that many would have resisted the ‘utopian label at the time because of its dismissive meanings, Steinbergs comprehensive approach sees him take in political leaders,intellectuals,writers,and artists (visual,material,and musical),as well as workers,peasants,soldiers,students and others. Ideologically,the figures discussed range from reactionaries to anarchists,nationalists (including non-Russians) to feminists,both religious believers and ‘the militant godless. This innovative text dissects the very notion of the Russian utopian and examines its significance in its various fascinating contexts.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 133 x 210 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350127203