The Soviet Century: Archaeology of a Lost World

The Soviet Union's daily existence is explored in great detail in Karl Schlögel's The Soviet Century, a comprehensive history that also serves as a guide to the country's past. It covers famous and less well-known facets of Soviet life, including the Gulag, the planned economy, the railway system, Magnitogorsk, cookbooks, military medals, prison camp tattoos, and Red Moscow perfume. The book combines utopian dreams with mundane routine and a pervasive sense of terror, as symbolized by the Lubyanka.

Format: Hardback
Length: 928 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The Soviet Union, a complex and enigmatic society, has left a lasting legacy that continues to fascinate and intrigue us. While its physical presence may have vanished, its ghostly traces remain etched in the material remnants of its turbulent history. In his captivating book, "The Soviet Century," Karl Schlögel, a renowned historian of the Soviet Union, takes us on a journey into the everyday life of this unique civilization.

"The Soviet Century" serves as a captivating museum and a comprehensive guide to the Soviet past. It delves into the vast and diverse aspects of life in the USSR, encompassing both the grandiose and the intimate. From the infamous Gulag to the meticulously planned economy, from the sprawling railway system to the industrial metropolis of Magnitogorsk, Schlögel paints a vivid picture of the Soviet experience.

The book explores iconic elements of Soviet life, such as the long queues outside stores, the cramped communal apartments, the grand parades, and the revered Lenin mausoleum. It also sheds light on lesser-known but equally significant aspects of the USSR, including the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, the iconic voice of Radio Moscow, the vibrant graffiti, and even the ubiquitous toilet, which became a subject of social and cultural fascination.

Throughout "The Soviet Century," Schlögel weaves together a rich tapestry of utopian fantasies, mundane routines, and a pervasive sense of terror symbolized by the Lubyanka, the former headquarters of the secret police. His decades of travel in the Soviet and post-Soviet world, coupled with his firsthand encounters with the places and objects he describes, lend authenticity and depth to his narrative.

The book is adorned with over eighty illustrations, which enhance the reader's visual experience and bring the Soviet era to life. Each image captures a moment in time, capturing the essence of the people, places, and objects that shaped the Soviet Century.

In conclusion, "The Soviet Century" is an unforgettable account of a lost civilization. Karl Schlögel's meticulous research and firsthand encounters provide a profound insight into the everyday life of the Soviet Union. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and the complexities of a society that defied conventional understanding. As we reflect on the Soviet Union's legacy, "The Soviet Century" serves as a valuable reminder of the human experiences and struggles that shaped its history.

Weight: 1536g
Dimension: 168 x 241 x 57 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691183749