713. Inside Russia Today, by John Gunther (read 25 Nov 1962) It would be fun to see what Gunther would have to say about present-day post-Communist Russia. ( )

חלק מסדרה מצויינת של עתונאות פוליטית ( )

A recent article on a search for a deserted Siberian prison in the New Yorker led me to read this recent thrift store purchase. By the time Gunther wrote this book he already had a lot of experience with similar book, beginning with a 1936 book when Hitler was as known quanity. However,in spite of the political commentary,very interesting from 30 plus years later perspective,this is really a travel book. It is also a history book.Gunther gives a thumbnail,but inclusive history of Russia, then a wonderful series of descriptions and history of the"stans". He also answers the question not usualy explained....how the USSR was put together.Actually before he was party secretary Stalin arranged it. A wonderful day's read. If I have a chance to go to the former USSR republics and Russia itself I will certainly take this along. ( )