Abstract

Russia as Seen by Americans

This article presents information on several books. The book "Unchained Russia," by Charles Edward Russell, state of affairs both past and present. His description of conditions in the army and navy before the revolution makes one wonder that any officers have remained alive, instead of being slain by the soldiers and sailors whom they so terribly maltreated in their days of power. The most striking part of the book, to the misinformed and unsuspecting American reader, is the chapter about the Bolsheviks. Russell portrays them as impractical idealists. Another book "Red Heart of Russia" by Bessie Beatty, an interesting record of personal experiences before and after the Revolution. The book lays no claim to being a profound analysis of the causes and principles of the Russian Revolution, but it is valuable as an observer's impartial account of the first steps of the workmen's and peasants' government.