Intelligentsia and Revolution: Russian Views of Bolshevism, 1917-1922

Intelligentsia and Revolution examines how Russian intellectuals responded to and interpreted the Bolshevik revolution between 1917-1922. Through analysis of writings by philosophers, artists, scientists and other educated elite, the book reconstructs their evolving views during this pivotal period. The study draws on personal diaries, essays, newspaper articles and other contemporary sources to document how members of the intelligentsia grappled with rapid social transformation. Perspectives from figures like Aleksandr Blok, Maksim Gorky, and other cultural leaders reveal the complex ways educated Russians tried to make sense of events as they unfolded. Burbank organizes the material both chronologically and thematically, moving from initial reactions through various phases of the revolution and civil war. The book gives particular attention to how intellectuals' political and philosophical frameworks shaped their interpretation of events. The work illuminates broader questions about the role of intellectuals in times of social upheaval and their relationship to revolutionary movements. Through its focused examination of this crucial period, the book explores tensions between Russian intellectual traditions and the realities of radical political change.

Limited reader reviews could be found for this academic text, as it appears to be primarily used in research settings. Readers appreciated: - Clear presentation of primary sources and Russian intellectual perspectives - Focus on non-Bolshevik intelligentsia viewpoints - Detailed analysis of how different groups reacted to revolutionary changes - Strong archival research Common critiques: - Dense academic writing style - Assumes significant background knowledge of Russian history - Limited scope focusing mainly on Moscow/Petrograd perspectives Available Ratings: Goodreads: No ratings Amazon: No customer reviews Google Books: No user ratings WorldCat: No reader reviews The book is cited in academic works but lacks substantial public reader feedback. One academic reviewer on JSTOR noted the book "fills an important gap in our understanding of how Russian intellectuals experienced and interpreted the revolution," while another in The Russian Review praised the "meticulous attention to primary sources."

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🔸 Author Jane Burbank pioneered the study of Russian legal culture and peasant courts, bringing attention to how everyday Russians interacted with the law before and after the revolution. 🔸 The book analyzes writings from both pro- and anti-Bolshevik intellectuals, including works that were previously censored or excluded from Soviet historical accounts. 🔸 Many Russian intellectuals initially supported the February 1917 revolution but became disillusioned with the Bolsheviks after they seized power in October, leading to what became known as the "Great Exodus" of Russian minds. 🔸 The term "intelligentsia" originated in Russia in the 1860s, referring to educated people who felt responsible for guiding their nation's social and political development. 🔸 Despite facing persecution, exile, and censorship, Russian intellectuals during this period produced some of their most significant works, including Alexander Blok's poem "The Twelve" and Yevgeny Zamyatin's dystopian novel "We."