Dimensions
156 x 234 x 10mm
St. Petersburg was commanded into existence by Peter the Great, and its inherent artifice has made it one of the world's most storied cities, the stage for political and artistic dreamers. This comprehensive, award-winning narrative history chronicles what is perhaps the greatest story of any modern city anywhere, from its foundation in a swampy war zone in 1703 to its leading role in overthrowing Soviet power and bringing Russia into the twenty-first century. As the author notes, 'No modern city has experienced such excruciating upheavals, violence, losses of its people, and suffering as Petersburg/Petrograd/Leningrad experienced in the first half of its 20th century.' Extensively researched and documented yet entertaining and accessible for general readers, the book covers Petersburg's political, social, economic, architectural, cultural and intellectual history.