It All Started with Gogol: Scenes from Life in Russia

Unusual Experiences in the Soviet Union

Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book It All Started with Gogol: Scenes from Life in Russia by Thomas L. Aman, Trafford Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas L. Aman ISBN: 9781466943292
Publisher: Trafford Publishing Publication: July 23, 2012
Imprint: Trafford Publishing Language: English
Author: Thomas L. Aman
ISBN: 9781466943292
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Publication: July 23, 2012
Imprint: Trafford Publishing
Language: English

During the 70 years of the Soviet era leaders created one of the most rigidly controlled societies in history. Their objective was to mold citizens into docile conformists and devoted servants of the State. As an antidote to our personal freedoms they conditioned their citizens to distrust all foreigners since their goal was, by definition, to undermine Soviet power. An unrelenting propaganda assault glorified the virtues of their system and reinforced hostility toward any outside entity. The governing bureaucracy appeared monolithic but was actually extremely vulnerable. The system itself was defective; unwittingly it motivated individuals to bypass the strict application of the law and discover other techniques of coping. Russians exhibited a boundless creativity in circumventing regulations. Their deliverance lay in mastering a very inventive, humorous and witty approach to an existence that was otherwise grim beyond description. Russia is an endlessly fascinating land, unexpected and unpredictable, producing delight as well as despair. It consists of humane and warm-hearted people oppressed by endless years of a stultifying bureaucracy. But given the opportunity basic humanity would peek through the bureaucratic facade and manifest itself in ways sometimes benevolent, or humorous, or compassionate, but always endearing. The present review summarizes a number of adventures and experiences that personify these traits.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

During the 70 years of the Soviet era leaders created one of the most rigidly controlled societies in history. Their objective was to mold citizens into docile conformists and devoted servants of the State. As an antidote to our personal freedoms they conditioned their citizens to distrust all foreigners since their goal was, by definition, to undermine Soviet power. An unrelenting propaganda assault glorified the virtues of their system and reinforced hostility toward any outside entity. The governing bureaucracy appeared monolithic but was actually extremely vulnerable. The system itself was defective; unwittingly it motivated individuals to bypass the strict application of the law and discover other techniques of coping. Russians exhibited a boundless creativity in circumventing regulations. Their deliverance lay in mastering a very inventive, humorous and witty approach to an existence that was otherwise grim beyond description. Russia is an endlessly fascinating land, unexpected and unpredictable, producing delight as well as despair. It consists of humane and warm-hearted people oppressed by endless years of a stultifying bureaucracy. But given the opportunity basic humanity would peek through the bureaucratic facade and manifest itself in ways sometimes benevolent, or humorous, or compassionate, but always endearing. The present review summarizes a number of adventures and experiences that personify these traits.

More books from Trafford Publishing

Cover of the book Melodious Verse by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Sales Management by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Spirit of Murder by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Life as a Whole by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book The Solid Rock by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Poems by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Pain No More Tooo by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Common Legal Terms You Should Know by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Bonded by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Autobiography of an Ordinary Couple Facing Extraordinary Circumstances by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Trinitas - Flower of Light by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book "The Miller/Romero Connection") by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Jewel of the Kingdom by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book The Sun Medallion by Thomas L. Aman
Cover of the book Sunset Strands by Thomas L. Aman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy