Speaking at the RSA yesterday on his latest book, Revolutionary Russia 1891 to 1991, award-winning historian Orlando Figes reminded his audience about his early work on the Crimean War: “My book was little noticed at the time but the other day I saw a tweet saying ‘Crimea is trending for the first time since 1854’.”
As Russian President Putin’s tone softens on Ukraine, Figes said: “It will become clear in due course what game he’s playing but I don’t believe he wants to invade Ukraine. What he wants is a federated Ukraine.”
Revolutionary Russia 1891 to 1991 is one of the first books published under the revived Pelican imprint, “costing no more than a packet of fags”. Figes, who is Professor of History at Birkbeck, added that he only asked potential PhD students two questions: “Do you speak Russian and can you drink? There’s no point in studying Russian history if you don’t drink.”
