St.Petersburg: Russia's Window to the Future Book

The publication of this unique biography of one of the world?s great cities coincides with the Petersburg?s 300th anniversary celebrations marking its modern-day rebirth in the era of Vladimir Putin, now the city?s most famous native. This comprehensive and detailed narrative history chronicles what is perhaps the greatest story of any modern city anywhere, from its foundation in a swampy war zone in 1703 by Peter the Great to its leading role in overthrowing Soviet power and bringing Russia into the 21st century. Extensively researched and documented yet entertaining and accessible for general readers, the book covers Petersburg?s political, social, economic, architectural, cultural and intellectual history, recounting events of world importance and the extraordinary and often tragic lives of the city?s many great citizens. The book focuses on the city?s key role as a link to the West and in modernizing Russia and contributing to the growth of civil society. Written by Arthur George, a longtime specialist on the city who lived and worked there during the historic post-Soviet years, the story is told from the perspective of someone who feels the rhythms and spirit of the city and participated in the historic events recounted in the latter part of the book. His wife Elena George, who contributed to the book, is a native of the city.Read More