Crossing Borders deconstructs contemporary theories of Soviet history from the revolution through the Stalin period; and offers new interpretations based on a transnational perspective. To Michael David-Fox; Soviet history was shaped by interactions across its borders. By reexamining conceptions of modernity; ideology; and cultural transformation; he challenges the polarizing camps of Soviet exceptionalism and shared modernity and instead strives for a theoretical and empirical middle ground as the basis for a creative and richly textured analysis. Discussions of Soviet modernity have tended to see the Soviet state either as an archaic holdover from the Russian past; or as merely another form of conventional modernity. David-Fox instead considers the Soviet Union in its own light—as a seismic shift from tsarist society that attracted influential visitors from the pacifist Left to the fascist Right. By reassembling Russian legacies; as he shows; the Soviet system evolved into a complex “intelligentsia-statist†form that introduced an array of novel agendas and practices; many embodied in the unique structures of the party-state. Crossing Borders demonstrates the need for a new interpretation of the Russian-Soviet historical trajectory—one that strikes a balance between the particular and the universal.
#1503443 in Books Duke University Press Books 2010-05-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .80 x 6.10l; 1.05 #File Name: 0822346362336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. More like a doctoral thesis than a bookBy Aaron M. SchulzeI got this book to read before a trip to Salvador; Brazil. I have always been interested in the African religions of Brazil; and I was hoping to understand them better before my trip. This book was a difficult read because it is written more as a doctoral thesis than a book. Unfortunately; I only read about 20% before putting it down. I wish there were better books on Afro-Brazilian religions in English.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. This book deserves 10 stars!By KalfuI love this book! Stefania Capone has done more for Candomble then she could ever imagine! Her book is thorough and unique. She writes about the development of Eshu; analysing his position in Candomble and other Afro-Brazilian traditions over decades and centuries. She takes political pressure and prosecution by the catholic church as well as a fight against superstition into account; she writes about lesser known and lesser researched branches of Candomble and she shows that "just because it has been written about; doesn't mean its better".But what makes this book so important is the internal politics of Candomble that Stefania Capone reveals. The power struggles between members of temples and the associated defamation; gossip and the use of witchcraft to harm and destroy competitive priests are part of the undercurrent of Candomble. Sadly as it may be; these things are the glue that keeps this religion going. This book deserves 10 stars!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy KalungaA very scholarly and well researched book. This is authentic and well written in English. Persons interested in the topic of Exu and how He relates to Candomble and Brazilian traditions; as well as spiritual authority in those traditions from an unbiased viewpoint will enjoy this book.
