Science in Russia and the Soviet Union: A Short History (Cambridge Studies in the History of Science)

New
Paperback
1994
$31.98

By the 1980s the Soviet scientific establishment had become the largest in the world, but very little of its history was known in the West. What has been needed for many years in order to fill that gap in our knowledge is a history of Russian and Soviet science written for the educated person who would like to read one book on the subject. This book has been written for that reader. The history of Russian and Soviet science is a story of remarkable achievements and frustrating failures. That history is presented here in a comprehensive form, and explained in terms of its social and political context. Major sections include the tsarist period, the impact of the Russian Revolution, the relationship between science and Soviet society, and the strengths and weaknesses of individual scientific disciplines. The book also discusses the changes brought to science in Russia and other republics by the collapse of communism in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Synopsis

By the 1980s the Soviet scientific establishment had become the largest in the world, but very little of its history was known in the West. What has been needed for many years in order to fill that gap in our knowledge is a history of Russian and Soviet science written for the educated person who would like to read one book on the subject. This book has been written for that reader. The history of Russian and Soviet science is a story of remarkable achievements and frustrating failures. That history is presented here in a comprehensive form, and explained in terms of its social and political context. Major sections include the tsarist period, the impact of the Russian Revolution, the relationship between science and Soviet society, and the strengths and weaknesses of individual scientific disciplines. The book also discusses the changes brought to science in Russia and other republics by the collapse of communism in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

$31.98

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10 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 25 Mar 1994
ISBN 10: 0521287898
ISBN 13: 9780521287890

Media Reviews

'Science in Russia and the Soviet Union is a splendid work, a breathtaking synthesis that is at once erudite and accessible, illuminating and a pleasure to read. Not the least of Professor Graham's achievements is to explain why, on the whole, science has fared surprisingly well in the Soviet state, bringing to his task not only immense learning but an appreciation of the powerful influence of social and political context on the shaping of scientific endeavors. A rich and rewarding book.' Daniel J. Kevles, California Institute of Technology
'Though the author modestly calls it but a short history of science in Russia and the Soviet Union, his work is almost encyclopedic in scope. Only someone with Professor Graham's vast knowledge of general, as well as Soviet, history of science could have authored a book as authoritative and informative.' Adam B. Ulam, Director, Russian Research Center
'In spare and accessible form, Graham offers a broad, insightful social and political history of Russian science as well as much food for thought about the general consequences of the national context within which science grows.' Foreign Affairs
'Loren R. Graham is the author of Science and Philosophy in the Soviet Union, which was nominated for the National Book Award in history. His most recent work is an edited volume, Science and the Soviet Social Order. He is Professor of History of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Visiting Professor of History of Science at Harvard University.' Cambridge History of Science
...a splendid work, a breathtaking synthesis that is at once erudite and accessible, illuminating and a pleasure to read. Daniel J. Kevles
Loren Graham's informative history...leaves one wondering how science could function at all....The remaining, very open, question is: How well will a newly freed Russian science survive the removal of the Soviet hand that nourished and battered it? New York Times Book Review
The premier historian of the subject here explores for the general reader how Russian politics, economics and society have shaped the nature and direction of Russian science....In spare and accessible form, Graham offers both a broad, insightful social and political history of Russia and science as well as much food for thought about the general consequences of the national context within which science grows. Robert Legvold, Foreign Affairs
...recommended to those who would like to know more about the world which nurtured scientists such as Mendeleev and Sakharov, but which also saw ideology used to suppress whole areas of scientific research. Robert Lewis, The Times Higher Education Supplement
Writing on ideology and science, Graham provides a very good short summary of the principles of dialectical materialism relevant to science. He is also convincing when he argues that many good scientists took Marxism very seriously and used it in their work. Alexei Kojevnikov, Science
An excellent, extremely readable introduction to the history of Russian and Soviet science and technology by an authority in the field. The New York Public Library
Graham is one of our foremost students of the history of Russian science and this volume reflects a nearly unparalleled familiarity with all its aspects....It would be difficult to imagine a richer account of the subject in the space allotted. Often reviews declare that everyone in the field must read the given book; in this case it is the truth. Donald W. Treadgold, Slavic Review
...well written, frequently insightful, and firmly grounded in the scholarly literature....This new social history will surely add much to an already complex and dramatic tale. Daniel P. Todes, American Historical Review
...likely to remain an important scholarly landmark for years to come. Yakov Rabkin. Isis
Written for the well-informed general reader, it contains much for the expert as well...Erudite in both Rissian and scientific history, Graham also writes gracefully. The book provides an easy and clear discussion of an intricate and complex subject. Whether you read one or many books about Russian science, this one is a must. Can Slavonic Papers