Russia Audiobooks | Travel

The Soviet Union: The History and Legacy of the USSR from World War I to the End of the Cold War

For 30 years, much of the West looked on with disdain as the Bolsheviks took power in Russia and created and consolidated the Soviet Union. As bad as Vladimir Lenin seemed in the early 20th century, Joseph Stalin was so much worse that Churchill later remarked of Lenin, “Their worst misfortune was his birth... their next worst his death.” Before World War II, Stalin consolidated his position by frequently purging party leaders (most famously Leon Trotsky) and Red Army leaders, executing hundreds of thousands of people at the least. And in one of history’s greatest textbook examples of the idea that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, Stalin’s Soviet Union allied with Britain and the United States to defeat Hitler in Europe during World War II. Stalin ruled with an iron fist for nearly 30 years before his death in 1953, which may or may not have been murder, just as Stalin was preparing to conduct another purge. With his death, Soviet strongman and long-time Stalinist Nikita Khrushchev (1894-1971), who had managed to stay a step ahead of Stalin’s purges if only because he participated in them, became the Soviet premier. Meanwhile, little is remembered in the public imagination about Brezhnev in comparison to Mikhail Gorbachev, Vladimir Lenin, or Joseph Stalin, despite the fact Brezhnev ruled the USSR from 1964-1982, longer than any Soviet leader other than Stalin. After going through three elderly leaders in three years, Mikhail Gorbachev was chosen as the new General Secretary at the relatively youg age of 54 in March 1985. Gorbachev hoped to build the Soviet economy to relieve the persistent shortages of consumer goods it faced, which were caused by enormous military spending of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev tried to introduce some economic reforms, but they were blocked by communist hardliners. Gorbachev then came to the belief that the Soviet economy could not improved without political reform as well.

Charles River Editors (Author), Jim Walsh (Narrator)

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Communism: History of the Iron Curtain and Stalin’s Soviet Union

This is a book with two topics: Joseph Stalin - From 1924 till his death in 1953, Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin was a Georgian revolutionary and Soviet politician who ruled the Soviet Union. He was General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1952 and Chairman of the Soviet Union's Council of Ministers from 1941 to 1953. In spite of ruling the nation as part of a collective management, he ultimately combined power and ended up being the totalitarian of the Soviet Union by the 1930s. Stalin, a communist dedicated to Lenin's grasp of Marxism, formalized these concepts as Marxism-- Leninism, while his personal policies were called Stalinism. Soviet Union - From 1922 till 1991, the Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was a socialist state that covered Europe and Asia. It was in theory a federal union of different sovereign republics; but, till its closing years, its administration and economy were highly centralized. The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, ousted the Provisional Federal government that had formerly toppled the Russian Empire's Romanov family in the October Revolution of 1917, bring to life the Soviet Union. They established the Russian Soviet Republic, the world's first socialist state with a constitution. Stress between the Bolshevik Red Army and some anti-Bolshevik forces across the previous Empire emerged into a civil war, with the White Guard being the most effective faction. The White Horror was a period of violent anti-communist repression by the White Defend Against the Bolsheviks and believed worker and peasant Bolsheviks.

Kelly Mass (Author), Doug Greene (Narrator)

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The Red Ripper: Inside the Mind of Russia's Most Brutal Serial Killer

By the time he was brought to trial in 1992, Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo had killed more than fifty women and children, often sexually abusing them and leaving their bodies mutilated beyond recognition. Although he was initially arrested in 1984, the police lacked enough evidence to pin the unsolved murders on him and he was able to torture and kill dozens more before his eventual conviction. Compiling exclusive interviews and trial transcripts, journalist and editor at London's Sunday Times Peter Conradi reveals how the grandfather and former teacher carried out a horrific twelve-year killing spree. Based on extensive research into Chikatilo's past and the elements of Soviet society that allowed his crimes to go unsolved for so long, Conradi delves into the life of one of history's most prolific and disturbing serial killers. Interviews with Moscow police detectives detail the fervent hunt for the man who preyed on young children, prostitutes, and runaways. A chilling look into the deranged mind of a monster, The Red Ripper is a comprehensive and shocking true crime account of one of the twentieth century's deadliest killers. Contains mature themes.

Peter Conradi (Author), Michael Page (Narrator)

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Creating the KGB and CIA: The Establishment of the World’s Most Famous Intelligence Agencies

The KGB is one of the most famous abbreviations of the 20th century, and it has become synonymous with the shadowy and often violent actions of the Soviet Union’s secret police and internal security agencies. In fact, it is often used to refer to the Soviet state security agencies throughout its history, from the inception of the inception of the Cheka (Extraordinary Commission) in 1917 to the official elimination of the KGB in 1992. Whether it’s associated with the Russian Civil War’s excesses, Stalin’s purges, and even Vladimir Putin, the KGB has long been viewed as the West’s biggest bogeyman during the second half of the 20th century. However, the KGB did not appear out of thin air. Naturally, the earliest Soviet leaders utilized intelligence agencies that collected information both abroad and within the Soviet Union, targeting foreign opponents and domestic opponents alike. Lenin did not imagine the scale of the opposition he would have to face after the revolution, and he quickly came to the conclusion that 'a special system of organized violence' must be created to implement the dictatorship of the proletariat. Though it might be hard to believe, the Americans did not have a covert operations organization when they joined World War II, and like the British, it took them some time to realize it could be a powerful tool. As a result, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was not established until June 13, 1942, six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. This would all chart a path for the early days of America’s most famous intelligence agency, the CIA. Although plagued by its own share of problems in its early existence during World War II and the early Cold War years, the agency’s early problems, smoothed over by a string of tenured presidents, paled in comparison to those it would face in the coming decades.

Charles River Editors (Author), Jim Walsh (Narrator)

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Russian Cities: Saint Petersburg’s and Stalingrad’s History

This bundle contains two different books about Russia: Stalingrad - Stalingrad has changed names. It's now called Volgograd and is still one of the largest cities in Russia. But we can't ignore the fact that for a significant time in history, it was called Stalingrad, named after the tyrant and leader of the Soviet Union in the Second World War, Joseph Stalin. Let's explore the history of this city during the Second World War, and why the battles fought there were so horrendous and pivotal in history. At the time of the Battle of Stalingrad In Southern Russia, Germany and its allies combated the Soviet Union for control of Stalingrad (now Volgograd). It is just one of the bloodiest engagements in the history of warfare, with an approximated 2 million general losses. It's marked by intense close-quarters battle and direct attacks on people in air campaign. The German High Command was pushed to eliminate substantial army forces from other theaters of war after their defeat at Stalingrad. St. Petersburg - St Petersburg's structures lay over the skeletons of the press-ganged servant workers who worked to build it, making it the label 'the city built on bones.' Historians approximate that 100,000 18th-century serfs are buried underneath the city's stunning Italianate estates and large Parisian-style streets. They passed away of cold, appetite, illness, or, if they were truly unfortunate, wolves. They were drawn from all around the Russian Empire at the time. They dedicated their lives for the magnificence of Imperial Russia, and the city they built, St Petersburg, stands as a testimony to the Russian state's single-mindedness. Its extravagant palaces radiate European elegance and were actively built in a Western way to bring Russia closer to Europe.

Kelly Mass (Author), Doug Greene (Narrator)

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Russia: History, Facts, and Biographies of Russian Leaders, Tsars, and Royalty

This is a bundle of several books in 1, which are: Ivan the Terrible - Ivan IV Vasilyevich, referred to as Ivan the Terrible in English, was the Grand Prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547 and the very first Moscow ruler to announce himself Tsar of Russia from 1547 to 1584. Ivan was the first ruler of Moscow after the city's flexibility. Leon Trotsky - Leon Trotsky was a Ukrainian-Russian Marxist revolutionary, political thinker, and political leader who lived from November the 7th, in the year 1879 till August the 21st 1940. He developed a variation of Marxism referred to as Trotskyism after being a communist ideologically. Catherine the Great - Catherine II (born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst; May the 2nd 1729-- November the 17th 1796, typically called Catherine the Great, ruled as Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, making her the nation's longest-serving female ruler. Following the assassination of her spouse and 2nd cousin, Peter III, she rose to power. Russia grew bigger, its civilization was rejuvenated, and it was acknowledged as one of Europe's great powers during her reign. Peter the Great - From May the 7th, in 1682 till his death in 1725, Peter the Great or Pyotr Alekséyevich governed the Tsardom of Russia and ultimately the Russian Empire, collectively ruling before 1696 with his older half-brother, Ivan V. He got ports on the Azov and Baltic Seas through a series of triumphant disputes, creating the structure for the Imperial Russian Navy, ending undisputed Swedish control in the Baltic, and launching the Tsardom's development into a much larger empire. Grigori Rasputin - Rasputin, Grigori Yefimovich, was a Russian mystic and self-declared holy man who befriended the family of Nicholas II, Russia's last emperor, and accomplished massive power in late Imperial Russia.

Kelly Mass (Author), Doug Greene (Narrator)

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Stalingrad's Crucible: Unveiling the Turning Point of World War II

Amidst the tapestry of history, a tale of great valor and unyielding spirit unfolds – 'Stalingrad´s crucible.' Herein, the annals of time are unrolled, revealing the epochal Battle of Stalingrad in its most intricate and captivating detail. Venture beyond the mortal veil and walk among the soldiers, civilians, and leaders who bore witness to this climactic clash. Peer into personal chronicles, wherein courage, sacrifice, and the unquenchable flame of determination burn bright. Allow the hallowed arena of strategic warfare embrace you, where tactics, maneuver, and the weighty choices of commanders dictated destiny. The dance of command, the intricacies of intelligence, and the ever-shifting lines of battle are laid bare. Traverse the corridors of time to comprehend the intricate tapestry of events leading to this monumental confrontation. Peer beyond the battle's borders and uncover the geopolitical forces, alliances, and ambitions that gave birth to this saga. In this book you´ll: - Experience an Epic Prose: The words flow as if spun by the quill of ages past, entwining history into a captivating tapestry of narrative. - Enjoy a Holistic Odyssey: Beyond the battle's ardor, delve into the lives and dreams of those who walked its fields, forging a profound connection with history's pulse. - Unfade Wisdom: Lessons unveiled transcend epochs, resonating as potently in our modern era as in the echoes of yore. Unleash the Power of 'Stalingrad´s Crucible' Today! Embark upon a journey through the corridors of time, reliving the clash that indelibly etched its mark upon the annals of humanity. Don´t wait. Scroll up and buy this book now!

History Retold (Author), Dean Ericson (Narrator)

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A Small, Stubborn Town: Life, death and defiance in Ukraine

'Extraordinary.' Philippe Sands 'We are touched by the courage and dignity of Andrew Harding's characters - qualities that the author must surely possess in equal measure.' - Andrey Kurkov 'A story of extraordinary heroism by ordinary people. - James Meek 'This gripping account is the Russian invasion of Ukraine in microcosm.' - Lindsey Hilsum The Russians are invading. But the locals have a plan. It's March 2022 and Russian tanks are roaring across the vast, snow-dusted fields of Ukraine. Their destination: Voznesensk, a town with a small bridge that could change the course of the war. The heavily-armed Russians are expecting an easy fight - or no fight at all. After all, Voznesensk is a quiet farming town, full of pensioners. But the locals appear to have other ideas. Svetlana, a grandmother with arthritis, reacts in fury when Russian troops turn her cottage into their blood-soaked headquarters. Valentin, a quick-talking lawyer, joins the town's 'Dads Army' defenders, crouching in a trench with an AK47. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sergei grabs a Molotov cocktail and lies in wait for Russian tanks as they push towards Dead Water Bridge. The odds are terrible. But a plan is emerging, and there's a chance it could save not just Voznesensk, but the rest of southern Ukraine. Meanwhile, inside the tanks, an inner battle rages. As Russian officer Igor Rudenko prepares to invade, he has a secret. He is Ukrainian himself. A gripping work of reportage that tells the story of a pivotal moment in Ukraine's war, this is a real-life thriller about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances with resilience, humour and ingenuity. '[Andrew Harding is] one of our most gifted and sensitive journalists' - Jon Snow

Andrew Harding (Author), Andrew Harding (Narrator)

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[German] - Denk ich an Kiew (Ungekürzt)

1929. Behütet und geliebt wächst Katja in einem Dorf bei Kiew auf. Ihre Familie ist nicht reich, kann sich aber von ihrer eigenen Hände Arbeit ernähren. Bis Stalins Handlanger die Dorfbewohner zwingen, dem Kollektiv beizutreten. Wer sich weigert, wird mitgenommen und nie wieder gesehen. Anfangs gibt es für Katja dennoch auch glückliche Stunden. Sie ist in den Nachbarssohn verliebt und ihre Schwester in dessen Bruder. Doch schon bald muss Katja sich jeden Tag Mut zusprechen, um weiterzumachen angesichts des Schreckens um sie herum. Jahrzehnte später entdeckt Cassie im Haus ihrer Großmutter in Illinois ein Tagebuch. Nie hat diese über ihre ukrainische Herkunft gesprochen. Seit einiger Zeit aber verhält sie sich merkwürdig. Sie versteckt Lebensmittel und murmelt immer wieder einen Namen, den keiner aus ihrer Familie je gehört hat: Alina ... Unter der Herrschaft Stalins verhungerten in den 1930er-Jahren in der Ukraine Millionen Menschen, obwohl die Getreidespeicher voll waren. Erin Litteken rückt diesen weitgehend vergessenen Aspekt der ukrainischen Geschichte in unser Bewusstsein, einfühlsam und sehr bewegend.

Erin Litteken (Author), Tanja Fornaro (Narrator)

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Stalingrad: Siege And Soviet Victory

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Discover the riveting story of Stalingrad, a battle that shaped the course of history, with our exclusive book bundle 'Stalingrad: Siege and Soviet Victory.' This carefully curated collection takes you on an immersive journey through the harrowing events, personal accounts, and lasting impact of one of the most decisive battles of World War II. Book 1 - 'The Battle of Stalingrad: Turning the Tide': Immerse yourself in the heart of the conflict as you witness the ebb and flow of the battle that turned the tide of World War II. Uncover the strategic maneuvers, the heroism of the soldiers, and the monumental moments that shifted the balance of power. Book 2 - 'Voices from the Ruins: Surviving Stalingrad': Step into the shoes of those who endured the unimaginable horrors of Stalingrad's siege. Through firsthand accounts, memoirs, and interviews with survivors, you'll witness the courage, resilience, and unbreakable spirit of the soldiers and civilians trapped in the city. Book 3 - 'Stalingrad: The Cold War Echoes': Uncover the far-reaching implications of the Battle of Stalingrad beyond the confines of World War II. Delve into the post-war era and explore how the battle reverberated through the Cold War, influencing military strategies, shaping diplomatic relations, and defining the ideological divide. Book 4 - 'Stalingrad Revisited: Commemorating the Past, Shaping the Future': Engage with the present and reflect on the commemoration and remembrance of Stalingrad. Discover how the battle is memorialized, study its lasting impact on national identities, and explore the lessons learned from this historic event. Order now and embark on a journey through the depths of history, where bravery, sacrifice, and the human spirit shine through amidst the chaos of war. This collection is a must-have for anyone seeking a profound understanding of Stalingrad's significance and its lasting impact on our world.

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

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Secret Police Exposed: Gestapo, KGB, Stasi & Securitate

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Dive deep into the shadows of these clandestine organizations as we uncover their methods, motives, and the immense power they wielded over the lives of millions. Book 1: 'The Gestapo Files: Inside Hitler's Secret Police' takes you on a chilling journey through Nazi Germany. Explore the origins and rise of the Gestapo, delve into its insidious methods of surveillance and control, and gain insights into its brutal interrogations and tactics of terror. Book 2: 'The KGB Chronicles: Espionage and Intrigue in the Soviet Union' unveils the enigmatic world of the KGB during the height of the Cold War. Immerse yourself in the realm of spies, double agents, and covert operations as we reveal the inner workings of this formidable intelligence agency. Book 3: 'The Stasi Enigma: Unveiling East Germany's Secret Police State' offers a gripping exploration of the Stasi's reign of terror in East Germany. Step behind the Iron Curtain and uncover the Stasi's pervasive surveillance apparatus, its network of informants, and its ruthless suppression of dissent. Through personal stories and historical analysis, this book sheds light on the profound impact the Stasi had on every aspect of East German society. Book 4: 'Securitate Unmasked: The Dark Secrets of Romania's Secret Police' delves into the oppressive regime of Ceausescu's Romania and the chilling activities of the Securitate. Discover the extent of their surveillance, their methods of interrogation, and the web of fear and betrayal they wove throughout the nation. Unveil the stories of those who resisted the regime and the heavy toll they paid for their defiance. Don't miss the opportunity to uncover the hidden truths behind the Gestapo, KGB, Stasi, and Securitate. 'Secret Police Exposed' is your gateway to a world of intrigue, fear, and the indomitable spirit of those who resisted. Grab your copy today and embark on a captivating journey into the depths of these secretive organizations.

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

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Soviet Space Program: Sputnik, Vostok, Soyuz & Luna

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Introducing the 'Soviet Space Program' Book Bundle: Embark on an Epic Journey through History and Beyond! Book 1: 'Sputnik's Legacy: From Beeping Satellite To Space Exploration Milestones' unveils the awe-inspiring story of Sputnik, the iconic beeping satellite that ignited the space race. Explore the profound impact of Sputnik on scientific progress, technological advancements, and the geopolitical landscape. Discover how this humble satellite paved the way for groundbreaking space exploration milestones and forever changed our understanding of the universe. Book 2: 'Vostok: The Pioneers Of Human Spaceflight' takes you on a thrilling journey through the pioneering era of human spaceflight. Immerse yourself in the courageous exploits of Yuri Gagarin, Gherman Titov, and other trailblazing cosmonauts who dared to venture beyond Earth's atmosphere. Witness their triumphs, struggles, and the indomitable spirit that propelled them to become the pioneers of human space exploration. Book 3: 'Soyuz: Bridge To The Stars - The Story Of Russia's Spacecraft' uncovers the fascinating tale of the Soyuz spacecraft, the backbone of the Soviet space program. Explore its evolution from a symbol of Cold War competition to a bridge of international cooperation. Book 4: 'Luna Revealed: Soviet Moon Missions And The Quest For Lunar Exploration' takes you on an exhilarating expedition to the moon. Delve into the Luna program's lunar missions, from groundbreaking soft landings to the retrieval of precious moon samples. Experience the thrill of lunar exploration and uncover the secrets of our celestial neighbor through the eyes of the Soviet Union's ambitious lunar missions. Don't miss your chance to own this remarkable book bundle. Order your copy of the 'Soviet Space Program' today and embark on an unforgettable adventure into the history and wonders of space exploration!

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

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Russia Audiobooks in Travel