Children's World Growing Up in Russia, 1890-1991 Catriona Kelly

How a country views its children reveals a great deal. This landmark history of childhood in twentieth-century Russia presents an enthralling and detailed picture of a society where childhood was celebrated everywhere, but children's real needs were often neglected by the state. Catriona Kelly, one of the foremost cultural historians of modern Russia, explores every aspect of children's lives, including the stresses and joys of ordinary family life, friendships, sports and games, first love, clothing, and schools. She examines the experiences of children in institutions, orphanages, and in Stalin's camps, as well as the impact on their lives of such historical tragedies as revolution, civil and world war, and political purges.Based on unprecedented research in archives, hundreds of interviews, and the study of a huge range of newspapers, books and pamphlets, the book has an immediacy which is startling. Over 70 illustrations sharpen the focus still more. Kelly weaves together information about the relationships between children and adults, prevailing ideas about childhood, and the actual experiences of children to create an unforgettable account of the intimate workings of Russian and Soviet society.

Catriona Kelly is professor of Russian, University of Oxford, and fellow of New College. She has published extensively on Russian cultural history, including most recently Comrade Pavlik: The Rise and Fall of a Soviet Boy Hero.

'There are fascinating glimpses ... in Kelly's discussion ... Her level-headed tackling of her subject serves to remind us ... that there were impressive achievements in the Soviet Union.' - Jane Miller, The Guardian

'Catriona Kelly surveys exhaustively what Russian children read, thought and did on their holidays, and in their spare time ... Specialists will find this work well annotated and the general reader will find much fascinating information and a fair picture of what a Russian child's life was like.' Donald Rayfield, Literary Review

'[this book] is certain to become a standard reference work for social historians for years to come.' Konstantin Eggert, The Tablet

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http://podularity.com/2008/02/15/russian-childhood