Library

Through the discussion of Russian ballet, painting, poetry, drama and music that emerged in the 18th century, "Dance of Natasha" explores the differences between European civilization and folk elements in Russian culture, the confrontation between the two Russias of "civilization" and "native", and the division between the aristocratic upper class and the lower class rural people. The book further discusses the construction and expression of "Russian soul" and "Russianness", revealing the impact of politics, national identity, social concepts, customs, folk art, religion, etc. On the formation and development of Russian culture, presenting a splendid and dazzling cultural scroll full of dramatic details.

In 1853, Tsar Nicholas I invaded the Danube Principalities that are now Romania due to religious disputes. Subsequently... The Crimean War, which lasted for 18 months, caused huge human losses, completely rewritten the political landscape of Europe, and profoundly affected the modernization processes of Russia and Turkey. Figgis quotes extensively from Russian, French, British, and Ottoman Empire documents to comprehensively demonstrate how nationalist sentiments, imperial power struggles, and religious conflicts affected countries' involvement in the war. From kings and ministers, reporters and writers reporting on the war, to officers and soldiers on the battlefield, and women and children in the siege, Figes not only restores the panoramic view of the war from multiple perspectives, but also provides a new entrance for today's understanding of the "Eastern Question" in the 19th and 20th centuries, the relationship between Christians and Muslims in the Black Sea region, and the world rift between Russia and the West.