Good books on Russian history are offered for reading.

Few people learned about Russian history at school easily: dates and events that were difficult to remember were not always logical cause-effect relationships. One of the reasons is that not so good books on the history of Russia were used for this.

Types of historical books

All historical books can be divided into several types: fiction and documentary, dedicated to certain periods or wars.

It is better to start studying history from fiction books, however, of course, their minus is not always a real reflection of reality. Therefore, we will try to consider the best books on the history of Russia, which do not demonstrate an alternative path for the development of the country, but try to show how everything really happened. Perhaps they will not be very famous and popular, but they will be worthy of the attention of the general public.

Of course, the opinion of the author may differ from the opinion of others and is advisory in nature.

Top 3. The best books on the history of Russia: the art genre

1. A. Rand, “We Are Alive”: not the most famous book of this writer, but undoubtedly worthy of attention. In it are intertwined love and hatred, betrayal. And all this happens against the background of post-revolutionary events.
2. A. Ivanov, “Shadows disappear at noon”: a long and incredibly exciting family saga, some events in it make their way to a shiver, catch all the strings of the soul. It will be interesting even to those who do not like to read Soviet prose.
3. I. Lazhechnikov, "Ice House": a terrible novel about a difficult period called "Bironovschina", about the time when Anna Ioannovna ruled. Strange entertainments, useless and stupid decisions - this book is both amazing and fascinating.

Top 3. Non-fiction historical books

In addition to fiction books, it is necessary to turn to the documentary presentation of the history of Russia.

So, by all means an enthusiastic lover of the past should turn to the following works:

1. N. Karamzin, “History of the Russian State”: a multi-volume and rather hard work, written in a pleasant and easy to read language. He will not leave indifferent any lover of history.
2. L. Gumilev, "From Russia to Russia": often this writer is accused of being unhistorical and trying to bring everything under his theory. Yes, to some extent this is true, but she, too, is undoubtedly worthy of attention. Be sure to read it, even if you are already familiar with "passionarity" and "theory of ethnogenesis."
3. De Custine, “Russia in 1839”: a book written by the hand of a “stranger” who visited our country and was able to so insightfully describe the Russian character and mentality that it still remains relevant. By the way, it is in her that it says that after staying in Russia one feels how much easier and freer he lives in European countries.

Top 3. The best children's historical books

In order to interest the child in history, you need to use fascinating and really good books on the history of Russia. Since the children are quickly distracted, and if the book is not eventful, then the fuse to read will soon disappear. It must be kept in suspense until the very end.

So, we present to our parents a good book on the history of Russia for younger lovers of the secrets of the past:

1. E. Vereyskaya, “Three Girls”: this story consists of two parts, in the first of which the reader learns about three friends, their hobbies and adventures, in the second - the war begins, so everything will be devoted to this topic. The theme of the blockade and growing up against this background. The book must be read by teens.
2. V. Bykov, "Sotnikov": a worthy book, by the way, located in the school curriculum. The story of courage and selflessness, betrayal and cowardice, and all this in the war period, but it can not be considered exclusively military. This is a book about the character and how different people are.
3. V. Malik, "Ambassador of Urus-Shaitan": an incredibly fascinating novel about the adventures of Cossack Arsen and his friends. They were captured, got out of it, they were beaten and tormented, but they still held fast to fulfill the task of their chieftain.

Top 3. Books on the history of Russia since the Great Patriotic War

This top is most relevant right now. Firstly, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the great Victory, and secondly, gradually the memory of the war is leaving, there are fewer front-line soldiers, but this terrible event must not be forgotten.

So, really the best books on the history of Russia (and the Soviet Union as a whole), covering the period of the Second World War:

1. B. Vasiliev, “There was a war tomorrow”: the book tells how quickly growing up of former students after graduation, when such a difficult wartime begins. The author talks about the difficult, sometimes short and sad fate of everyone.
2. A. Kuznetsov, “Babi Yar”: everything in this book is true, the author describes to the reader his difficult childhood spent in occupied Kiev, all the horrors of that time: mass shootings and hijackings to work in Germany, battles and uprisings. All you need to know.
3. S. Aleksievich, “There is no woman’s face in the war”: the books of this writer are documentary, since they are based on the recollections of the participants in certain events. In this case, the question arises of the participation of women in the war, they were not just witnesses, they also went into battle, also actively participated and helped, and did not sit at home. Their difficult fate is dedicated to this book.

Perhaps not everyone will say that the article lists the most interesting books on the history of Russia, but they are really worth it to be read and find your reader.