Title
Natasha s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia
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History on a grand scalean enchanting masterpiece that explores the making of one of the world s most vibrant civilizationsA People s Tragedy, wrote Eric Hobsbawm, did more to help us understand the Russian Revolution than any other book I know. Now, in Natasha s Dance, internationally renowned historian Orlando Figes does the same for Russian culture, summoning the myriad elements that formed a nation and held it together.Beginning in the eighteenth century with the building of St. Petersburga window on the West and culminating with the challenges posed to Russian identity by the Soviet regime, Figes examines how writers, artists, and musicians grappled with the idea of Russia itselfits character, spiritual essence, and destiny. He skillfully interweaves the great worksby Dostoevsky, Stravinsky, and Chagallwith folk embroidery, peasant songs, religious icons, and all the customs of daily life, from food and drink to bathing habits to beliefs about the spirit world. Figes s characters range high and low: the revered Tolstoy, who left his deathbed to search for the Kingdom of God, as well as the serf girl Praskovya, who became Russian opera s first superstar and shocked society by becoming her owner s wife.Like the Europeanschooled countess Natasha performing an impromptu folk dance in Tolstoy s War and Peace, the spirit of Russianness is revealed by Figes as rich and uplifting, complex and contradictorya powerful force that unified a vast country and proved more lasting than any Russian ruler or state.
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- Q: What is the main theme of "Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia"? A: The book explores the cultural history of Russia, examining how various elements such as literature, art, and music have shaped Russian identity from the eighteenth century to the Soviet era.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Orlando Figes, an internationally renowned historian known for his works on Russian history.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on October 21, 2002.
- Q: What is the condition of the used book? A: The book is listed as 'Used Book in Good Condition' and is classified as 'Very Good' condition.
- Q: How many pages does "Natasha's Dance" have? A: The book contains a total of 544 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: Is this a first edition of the book? A: Yes, this listing is for the first edition of "Natasha's Dance".
- Q: What are some notable features of the book? A: The book offers a grand historical narrative that intertwines major works of literature and art with everyday life in Russia, providing a comprehensive view of Russian culture.
- Q: Can this book be beneficial for understanding the Russian Revolution? A: Yes, the book provides insights into Russian culture that help contextualize the events surrounding the Russian Revolution.
- Q: What kind of audience would benefit from reading this book? A: Readers interested in history, culture, and the arts, particularly those who want to understand Russian history and its impact on society, would find this book valuable.