Lachman’s books are mostly ‘esoteric histories’, but the present title is more a political or social history. Of Russia, needless to say. Even though the book is somewhat interesting, my preference for ‘esoteric history’ over social history was confirmed.
Vladimir Putin (1952-) presented a list of recommended literature. Lachman had an interest in Russian literature and recognised some of the authors. Some he did not. Piecing things together became a book about Russian history.
Russian history is interesting and complex. In spite of the size of the country, Russian identity changed several times from Viking to Mongol to Christian to staunchly atheistic. And not to forget politics drastically changed multiple times. One regime was open to religion and esotericism, the next was not.
The book explains certain events in recent history. The back cover is more promising concering Russian esoteric movents than what is actually in between the covers, but you also get an idea of “Silver Age” thinkers, philosophers fleeing Russia, the variety of influences, etc.
All in all the book is interesting, but I would have preferred less focus on the social and more on the esoteric history of the country.
2020 Inner Traditions, isbn 1620558106
