
A firsthand chronicle of a nation in upheaval, this work captures the chaotic first months of the Soviet experiment through the eyes of a British correspondent who found himself in Moscow as the civil war raged. Drawing on his literary background and a keen interest in folklore, the author records conversations, street scenes and the stark contrast between old institutions and the new revolutionary order. His narrative strives to separate myth from fact, offering a clear‑eyed view of a society caught between collapse and rebirth.
Listeners will hear vivid sketches of bustling markets, overcrowded prisons, and makeshift hospitals struggling with disease and shortages. The author does not claim expertise in economics or politics; instead, he presents the raw material of what he saw and heard, acknowledging his own limits while exposing the human cost of the turmoil. The result is an unvarnished, compelling snapshot of Russia in 1919, valuable for anyone seeking to understand the early days of the Soviet era.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (226K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1998-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1884–1967
Best known for the beloved Swallows and Amazons books, this English writer brought sailing, camping, and childhood freedom to life with unusual warmth and accuracy. He was also a journalist, and his firsthand knowledge of boats and travel gave his adventures a vivid, lived-in feel.
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