Roy Bainton

I've always been interested in the early years of the revolution in Russia so this book was an excellent fit for me. Bainton does exactly what the title says and gives a brief history of the events of 1917, with particular emphasis on the February and October revolutions of that year. While there is definitely a focus on the big names of the period (the Romanovs, Rasputin, Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin) what sets the book apart is that Bainton also did interviews with individuals who lived through the revolution. Although these individuals were no more than about 7 years of age at the time, their recollections and recounting of their parents' experiences add a unique element to the book. Recommended for those with an interest in the 1917 revolution or who just want a refresher in the early rising of the Bolsheviks in Russia.… (altro)

In his introduction, Roy Bainton explains he’s been interested in Unexplained Phenomena since he was 13, and the amount of detail in this book reflects this. It’s a difficult book to review, so it’s probably easier if I outline what’s covered.

There are eight sections, and each offers a guide to the various phenomena – obviously there are no real answers or conclusions, as most remain, well, unexplained, but it’s a great place to start exploring this area. If you find a particular phenomena which interests you, Roy provides links to websites, and a bibliography.

This is one of those great books to have on your coffee table or besides your bed, to dip in and out of. Although saying that, I did find myself fascinated by certain sections, and ended up reading for more than the length of a coffee!

The eight sections are as follows:
The Age of Unreason
Hot Chestnuts – UFOs
Beyond The Veil
Inexplicable Astronomy
Bizarre Biology
Maritime Mysteries
Panic and Paranoia
Combining the Fringe… (altro)

Very readable, concise account of the events of 1917 in Russia, tracing a path through the last two months of Tsarism; the months of the Provisional Government, chaotic, yet also pregnant with hope for some kind of a democratic future; and the Bolshevik takeover in late October. The hook is the stories told by a small number of very old people in St Petersburg interviewed by the author in 2004. A very good and balanced basic account of one of the most significant developments of the 20th century.… (altro)