Science in Russia and the Soviet Union: A Short History

Description

Although by the 1980s the Soviet scientific establishment became the largest in the world, little is known about it in the West. Loren Graham presents the first concise, modern history of science in Russia, the Soviet Union, and the commonwealth of Independent States. Thoroughly up to date, the volume covers the Czarist period, the impact of the Russian Revolution, the relationship between science and Soviet society, the strengths of various scientific disciplines, and the effect of the fall of Communism.

'Science in Russia and the Soviet Union is a splendid work, a breathtaking synthesis that is at once erudite and accessible, illuminating and a pleasure to read. Not the least of Professor Graham's achievements is to explain why, on the whole, science has fared surprisingly well in the Soviet state, bringing to his task not only immense learning but an appreciation of the powerful influence of social and political context on the shaping of scientific endeavors. A rich and rewarding book.' Daniel J. Kevles, California Institute of Technology 'Though the author modestly calls it but a short history of science in Russia and the Soviet Union, his work is almost encyclopedic in scope. Only someone with Professor Graham's vast knowledge of general, as well as Soviet, history of science could have authored a book as authoritative and informative.' Adam B. Ulam, Director, Russian Research Center 'In spare and accessible form, Graham offers a broad, insightful social and political history of Russian science as well as much food for thought about the general consequences of the national context within which science grows.' Foreign Affairs 'Loren R. Graham is the author of Science and Philosophy in the Soviet Union, which was nominated for the National Book Award in history. His most recent work is an edited volume, Science and the Soviet Social Order. He is Professor of History of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Visiting Professor of History of Science at Harvard University.' Cambridge History of Science