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Magnetic Mountain

Stalinism as a Civilization
By Stephen Kotkin
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Magnetic Mountain by Stephen Kotkin provides a detailed historical analysis of the Soviet Union during the Stalinist era, focusing on the city of Magnitogorsk. The book examines the ambitious attempt to build a vast industrial complex and the associated social, political, and cultural changes. It delves into the challenges of industrialisation and the impact of Stalinist policies on everyday life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$14700

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in Soviet history, particularly the industrialisation period under Stalin. It provides a fascinating exploration of how the regime sought to transform everyday life and culture in a rapidly modernising society, blending personal stories with broader historical analysis.

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Stephen Kotkin was the first American in 45 years to be allowed into Magnitogorsk, a city built in response to Stalin's decision to transform the predominately agricultural nation into a "country of metal". With access to previously untapped archives and interviews, Kotkin presents an account of the impact of industrialization on a single urban community.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Stephen Kotkin was the first American in 45 years to be allowed into Magnitogorsk, a city built in response to Stalin's decision to transform the predominately agricultural nation into a "country of metal". With access to previously untapped archives and interviews, Kotkin presents an account of the impact of industrialization on a single urban community.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Magnetic Mountain by Stephen Kotkin is recognised as a significant work in post-Soviet studies, focusing on the construction of Magnitogorsk in the USSR during the early 1930s. The book challenges views from both 'totalitarian' historians, who depict the Soviet state as all-powerful, and 'revisionist' historians, who acknowledge some level of popular regime support. It offers a nuanced exploration of Soviet society, illustrating the complex interactions between state power and individual agency.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780520208230

Publisher: University of California Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 February 1997

Country: United States

Imprint: University of California Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 41.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 1043g

Pages: 728

Collections

Education & Reference European History History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Stephen Kotkin

About the Author

Stephen Kotkin is Assistant Professor of History at Princeton University and author of Steeltown, USSR (California, 1991).

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