Almost twenty years after the Soviet Unions’ end, what are we to make of its existence? Was it a heroic experiment, an unmitigated disaster, or a viable if flawed response to the modern world? Taking a fresh approach to the study of the Soviet Union, this Very Short Introduction blends political history with an investigation into the society and culture at the time. Stephen Lovell examines aspects of patriotism, political violence, poverty, and ideology; and provides answers to some of the big questions about the Soviet experience. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.About the AuthorStephen Lovell is a Reader in Modern European History at King’s College London. He is the author of the prize-winning Summerfolk: A History of the Dacha, 1710-2000, and has written widely on Russian social and cultural history.Book InformationISBN 9780199238484Author Stephen LovellFormat PaperbackPage Count 176Imprint Oxford University PressPublisher Oxford University PressWeight(grams) 155gDimensions(mm) 174mm * 112mm * 10mm