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The complete diaries that Ivan Maisky, Soviet ambassador to London, kept between 1932 and 1943 Confiscated by Soviet authorities in the 1950s, the diaries of Ivan Maisky, the USSR's ambassador to Great Britain from 1932 to 1943, have been unearthed, annotated, and edited for publication in a three-volume set that Niall Ferguson predicts "will stand as one of the great achievements of twenty-first century historical scholarship." Maisky's revelations illuminate Soviet foreign policy in the years prior to and during World War II, providing fascinating perspectives on London's political life and climate, key figures and events, and the Kremlin rivalries that influenced Soviet policy. Volume 1: The Rise of Hitler and the Gathering Clouds of War, 1932-1938 Volume 2: The Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and the Battle of Britain, 1939-1940 Volume 3: The German Invasion of Russia and the Forging of the Grand Alliance, 1941-19

In "The Diary of a Superfluous Man," Ivan Turgenev explores the life of a disaffected young aristocrat whose introspective musings reveal the existential malaise of the Russian gentry in the 19th century. Turgenev employs a first-person narrative that is both poignant and reflective, providing readers with a raw glimpse into the protagonist's inner turmoil and societal dislocation. The work is steeped in the literary context of Realism, where characters grapple with their identity and purpose amidst a rapidly changing social landscape, making it a profound commentary on the contradictions of Russian aristocracy during this turbulent era. Ivan Turgenev, a central figure in Russian literature, was profoundly influenced by his own aristocratic background and disillusionment with serfdom, which informs his delineation of a 'Äúsuperfluous man'Äù'Äîa character archetype representing the ennui of the educated class. His experiences in Western Europe and exposure to various social ideologies also contributed to his critical perspective on Russian society, culminating in this rich and nuanced exploration of an individual's struggle within the societal fabric. Recommended for readers seeking a deep and introspective portrayal of disillusionment, "The Diary of a Superfluous Man" offers timeless insights into the complexities of human emotion and social existence. Turgenev's masterful prose invites contemplation on one's own place within a shifting world, making this work an essential read for both literary enthusiasts and anyone grappling with feelings of aimlessness.

Dotyczy m. in. Polski.

Covers the huge expansion of the compact disc market over the past two years, assessing each CD released since The Penguin Guide to Compact discs, Cassettes, and LPs, as well as all the noteworthy CDs from that edition.

The most comprehensive survey of classical music on CD and cassette ever published, this completely revised edition contains substantial new material to cover the increased range available in both the CD and cassette markets, including the latest releases in all price ranges: best buys, collection and recitals, "super bargains", and more.

This book finds this familiar group of highly respected critics having compiled a very useful survey of classical music on compact discs and cassettes. The authors discuss the artistic merits and sound quality of each recording in evaluations that are extremely perceptive and educational. Audiophiles will be happy to know that the authors indicate whether or not the recording has been recorded digitally or remastered from an analog original. Those on a budget will appreciate the inclusion of bargain-priced editions. And music lovers in general attempting to navigate the maze of CDs currently available will find this work indispensable.

INDEPENDENT BOOKS OF THE YEAR This completely new edition of the Penguin Guide reviews the 1000 best classical albums issued and reissued over the past five decades, many of which dominate the catalogue because of their sheer excellence, irrespective of recording dates. More comprehensive than ever before, it indicates key recordings on CD, DVD and enhanced SACD, including those in surround sound. If you want the finest available version of any major classical album you will find it listed and assessed in these pages. Ranging from long-established albums to the newest releases, the latest edition represents the cream of the international repertoire and has all the information you need to select the finest classical music available.