Children's World2007

"How a country views its children reveals a great deal about that country. This landmark history of childhood in twentieth-century Russia presents an enthralling and detailed picture of a society where childhood was celebrated everywhere, but children's real needs were often neglected by the state. Catriona Kelly, one of the foremost cultural historians of modern Russia, explores every aspect of children's lives, including the stresses and joys of ordinary family life, friendships, sports and games, first love, clothing and schools. She examines the experiences of children in institutions, orphanages and in Stalin's camps, as well as the impact on their lives of such historical tragedies as revolution, civil and world war and political purges." "Based on unprecedented research in archives,...