

Molotov's Magic Lantern : Travels in Russian History (Paperback)
Key item features
When the British journalist Rachel Polonsky moves to Moscow, she discovers an apartment on Romanov Street that was once home to the Soviet elite. One of the most infamous neighbors was the ruthless apparatchik Vyacheslav Molotov, a henchman for Stalin who was a participant in the collectivizations and the Great Purge—and also an ardent bibliophile. In what was formerly Molotov's apartment, Polonsky uncovers an extensive library and an old magic lantern—two things that lead her on an extraordinary journey throughout Russia and ultimately renew her vision of the country and its people.
In Molotov's Magic Lantern, Polonsky visits the haunted cities and vivid landscapes of the books from Molotov's library: works by Chekhov, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Akhmatova, and others, some of whom were sent to the Gulag by the very man who collected their books. With exceptional insight and beautiful prose, Polonsky writes about the longings and aspirations of these Russian writers and others in the course of her travels from the Arctic to Siberia and from the forests around Moscow to the vast steppes. A singular homage to Russian history and culture, Molotov's Magic Lantern evokes the spirit of the great artists and the haunted past of a country ravaged by war, famine, and totalitarianism.
Specs
- Book formatPaperback
- Fiction/nonfictionNon-Fiction
- GenreTravel & Nature
- Pub date2010
- Pages416
- Reading levelGeneral/Trade
How do you want your item?
More seller options (3)
About this item
Product details
When the British journalist Rachel Polonsky moves to Moscow, she discovers an apartment on Romanov Street that was once home to the Soviet elite. One of the most infamous neighbors was the ruthless apparatchik Vyacheslav Molotov, a henchman for Stalin who was a participant in the collectivizations and the Great Purge--and also an ardent bibliophile. In what was formerly Molotov's apartment, Polonsky uncovers an extensive library and an old magic lantern--two things that lead her on an extraordinary journey throughout Russia and ultimately renew her vision of the country and its people.
In Molotov's Magic Lantern, Polonsky visits the haunted cities and vivid landscapes of the books from Molotov's library: works by Chekhov, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Akhmatova, and others, some of whom were sent to the Gulag by the very man who collected their books. With exceptional insight and beautiful prose, Polonsky writes about the longings and aspirations of these Russian writers and others in the course of her travels from the Arctic to Siberia and from the forests around Moscow to the vast steppes. A singular homage to Russian history and culture, Molotov's Magic Lantern evokes the spirit of the great artists and the haunted past of a country ravaged by war, famine, and totalitarianism.When the British journalist Rachel Polonsky moves to Moscow, she discovers an apartment on Romanov Street that was once home to the Soviet elite. One of the most infamous neighbors was the ruthless apparatchik Vyacheslav Molotov, a henchman for Stalin who was a participant in the collectivizations and the Great Purge—and also an ardent bibliophile. In what was formerly Molotov's apartment, Polonsky uncovers an extensive library and an old magic lantern—two things that lead her on an extraordinary journey throughout Russia and ultimately renew her vision of the country and its people.
In Molotov's Magic Lantern, Polonsky visits the haunted cities and vivid landscapes of the books from Molotov's library: works by Chekhov, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Akhmatova, and others, some of whom were sent to the Gulag by the very man who collected their books. With exceptional insight and beautiful prose, Polonsky writes about the longings and aspirations of these Russian writers and others in the course of her travels from the Arctic to Siberia and from the forests around Moscow to the vast steppes. A singular homage to Russian history and culture, Molotov's Magic Lantern evokes the spirit of the great artists and the haunted past of a country ravaged by war, famine, and totalitarianism.
Specifications
Book format
Fiction/nonfiction
Genre
Pub date
Warranty
Warranty information
Warnings
State Chemical Disclosure
Compare with similar items
| Product | Viewing this itemMolotov's Magic Lantern : Travels in Russian History (Paperback) ![]() $10.57 current price $10.57 | His Ability To Shine Through Me, (Paperback) ![]() $10.55 current price $10.55 | Sophie's Gifts, (Paperback) ![]() Now $8.64 current price Now $8.64, Was $20.95$20.95 | Pre-Owned Sacred (Paperback) 0553818260 9780553818260 ![]() $5.36 current price $5.36 | To All Those I've Killed Before, (Paperback) ![]() $15.99 current price $15.99 | Pre-Owned Maisie Dobbs (Paperback) 1616954078 9781616954079 ![]() $4.02 current price $4.02 | Pre-Owned City of Bones (Paperback) 0446699535 9780446699532 ![]() $5.53 current price $5.53 | Shanghai Flame / Counterspy Express, (Paperback) ![]() $11.07 current price $11.07 | Pre-Owned Hardcase (Paperback) 0316213438 9780316213431 ![]() $8.14 current price $8.14 |
|---|
| Book format | PaperbackMolotov's Magic Lantern : Travels in Russian History (Paperback) | PaperbackHis Ability To Shine Through Me, (Paperback) | PaperbackSophie's Gifts, (Paperback) | PaperbackPre-Owned Sacred (Paperback) 0553818260 9780553818260 | PaperbackTo All Those I've Killed Before, (Paperback) | PaperbackPre-Owned Maisie Dobbs (Paperback) 1616954078 9781616954079 | PaperbackPre-Owned City of Bones (Paperback) 0446699535 9780446699532 | PaperbackShanghai Flame / Counterspy Express, (Paperback) | PaperbackPre-Owned Hardcase (Paperback) 0316213438 9780316213431 | PaperbackCoeds and Cattails, (Paperback) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiction/nonfiction | Non-FictionMolotov's Magic Lantern : Travels in Russian History (Paperback) | Non-FictionHis Ability To Shine Through Me, (Paperback) | Non-FictionSophie's Gifts, (Paperback) | FictionPre-Owned Sacred (Paperback) 0553818260 9780553818260 | FictionTo All Those I've Killed Before, (Paperback) | FictionPre-Owned Maisie Dobbs (Paperback) 1616954078 9781616954079 | FictionPre-Owned City of Bones (Paperback) 0446699535 9780446699532 | FictionShanghai Flame / Counterspy Express, (Paperback) | FictionPre-Owned Hardcase (Paperback) 0316213438 9780316213431 | FictionCoeds and Cattails, (Paperback) |
| Genre | Travel & NatureMolotov's Magic Lantern : Travels in Russian History (Paperback) | Health, Mind & BodyHis Ability To Shine Through Me, (Paperback) | Children's BooksSophie's Gifts, (Paperback) | -Pre-Owned Sacred (Paperback) 0553818260 9780553818260 | Literature & FictionTo All Those I've Killed Before, (Paperback) | Literature & FictionPre-Owned Maisie Dobbs (Paperback) 1616954078 9781616954079 | Literature & FictionPre-Owned City of Bones (Paperback) 0446699535 9780446699532 | Literature & FictionShanghai Flame / Counterspy Express, (Paperback) | -Pre-Owned Hardcase (Paperback) 0316213438 9780316213431 | Literature & FictionCoeds and Cattails, (Paperback) |
| Pub date | 2010Molotov's Magic Lantern : Travels in Russian History (Paperback) | 2012-07-18His Ability To Shine Through Me, (Paperback) | -Sophie's Gifts, (Paperback) | -Pre-Owned Sacred (Paperback) 0553818260 9780553818260 | 2025-08-08To All Those I've Killed Before, (Paperback) | -Pre-Owned Maisie Dobbs (Paperback) 1616954078 9781616954079 | 2006-10-02Pre-Owned City of Bones (Paperback) 0446699535 9780446699532 | 2016-12-16Shanghai Flame / Counterspy Express, (Paperback) | -Pre-Owned Hardcase (Paperback) 0316213438 9780316213431 | 20251109Coeds and Cattails, (Paperback) |
Similar items you might like
Based on what customers bought
His Ability To Shine Through Me, (Paperback) $10.55
$1055current price $10.55His Ability To Shine Through Me, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysSophie's Gifts, (Paperback) $8.64 Was $20.95
Now$864current price Now $8.64, Was $20.95$20.95Sophie's Gifts, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysPre-Owned Sacred (Paperback) 0553818260 9780553818260 $5.36
$536current price $5.36Pre-Owned Sacred (Paperback) 0553818260 9780553818260
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysPre-Owned Maisie Dobbs (Paperback) 1616954078 9781616954079 $4.02
$402current price $4.02Pre-Owned Maisie Dobbs (Paperback) 1616954078 9781616954079
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysPre-Owned City of Bones (Paperback) 0446699535 9780446699532 $5.53
$553current price $5.53Pre-Owned City of Bones (Paperback) 0446699535 9780446699532
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysShanghai Flame / Counterspy Express, (Paperback) $11.07
$1107current price $11.07Shanghai Flame / Counterspy Express, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysPre-Owned Hardcase (Paperback) 0316213438 9780316213431 $8.14
$814current price $8.14Pre-Owned Hardcase (Paperback) 0316213438 9780316213431
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysChristmas Rodeo Killer (Paperback) $5.98
$598current price $5.98Christmas Rodeo Killer (Paperback)
15 out of 5 Stars. 1 reviewsSave withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysBest seller The Christmas Tree Farm (Dream Harbor, Book 3) (Paperback) $9.92
Best seller
$992current price $9.92The Christmas Tree Farm (Dream Harbor, Book 3) (Paperback)
554.8 out of 5 Stars. 55 reviewsSave withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysRussian Trilogy Countdown in Cairo, Book 3, (Paperback) $12.29
$1229current price $12.29Russian Trilogy Countdown in Cairo, Book 3, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysOctobriana: The First Russian Superheroine, (Paperback) $7.99
$799current price $7.99Octobriana: The First Russian Superheroine, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysV.I. Warshawski Novels Pay Dirt: A V.I. Warshawski Novel, Book 23, (Paperback) $8.49
$849current price $8.49V.I. Warshawski Novels Pay Dirt: A V.I. Warshawski Novel, Book 23, (Paperback)
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysKate Burkholder: The Burning (Paperback) $6.81 Was $17.99
Now$681current price Now $6.81, Was $17.99$17.99Kate Burkholder: The Burning (Paperback)
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysPre-Owned Defending Britta Stein (Paperback) 1250852641 9781250852649 $8.99
3 optionsAvailable in additional 3 options$899current price $8.99Pre-Owned Defending Britta Stein (Paperback) 1250852641 9781250852649
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysBest seller The Frozen River: a GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel (Paperback) $11.99
Best seller
$1199current price $11.99The Frozen River: a GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel (Paperback)
144.9 out of 5 Stars. 14 reviewsSave withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysHeir for the Holidays (Paperback) $5.98
$598current price $5.98Heir for the Holidays (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysA Short History of Russia, (Paperback) $10.99
$1099current price $10.99A Short History of Russia, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysV. I. Warshawski Indemnity Only: A V. I. Warshawski Novel, Book 1, (Paperback) $7.99
$799current price $7.99V. I. Warshawski Indemnity Only: A V. I. Warshawski Novel, Book 1, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysVera Stanhope The Crow Trap: The First Vera Stanhope Mystery, Book 1, (Paperback) $10.49
$1049current price $10.49Vera Stanhope The Crow Trap: The First Vera Stanhope Mystery, Book 1, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysSanta's Secret (Paperback) $7.48
$748current price $7.48Santa's Secret (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ days
Popular items in this category
Best selling items that customers love
In Alexa's Shoes: Captured by the Nazis, can she triumph over tragedy? (A gripping WWII historical fiction novel), (Paperback) $14.99
$1499current price $14.99In Alexa's Shoes: Captured by the Nazis, can she triumph over tragedy? (A gripping WWII historical fiction novel), (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysRag Manifesto: Making, Folklore and Community, (Paperback) $23.96
$2396current price $23.96Rag Manifesto: Making, Folklore and Community, (Paperback)
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysBeyond Borscht: Old-World Recipes from Eastern Europe: Ukraine, Russia, Poland & More, (Paperback) $18.39
$1839current price $18.39Beyond Borscht: Old-World Recipes from Eastern Europe: Ukraine, Russia, Poland & More, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysRussian Cuisine in Exile, (Paperback) $20.70
$2070current price $20.70Russian Cuisine in Exile, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysRachel Calof S Story: Jewish Homesteader on the Northern Plains, (Paperback) $10.94
$1094current price $10.94Rachel Calof S Story: Jewish Homesteader on the Northern Plains, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysIn a Time of Monsters: Travels Through a Middle East in Revolt, (Paperback) $18.98
$1898current price $18.98In a Time of Monsters: Travels Through a Middle East in Revolt, (Paperback)
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysBest seller One Dark Window (Paperback) $9.98
Best seller
$998current price $9.98One Dark Window (Paperback)
524.8 out of 5 Stars. 52 reviewsSave withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysThe Hungry Steppe: Famine, Violence, and the Making of Soviet Kazakhstan, (Paperback) $27.95
$2795current price $27.95The Hungry Steppe: Famine, Violence, and the Making of Soviet Kazakhstan, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysJews of Russia & Eastern Europe and Brodsky Among Us: A Memoir, (Paperback) $16.92
$1692current price $16.92Jews of Russia & Eastern Europe and Brodsky Among Us: A Memoir, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysFree: Coming of Age at the End of History, (Paperback) $16.07
$1607current price $16.07Free: Coming of Age at the End of History, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysNeighbors: The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne, Poland, (Paperback) $13.97 Was $17.95
Now$1397current price Now $13.97, Was $17.95$17.95Neighbors: The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne, Poland, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysEurope Against the Jews, 1880-1945, (Paperback) $18.63
$1863current price $18.63Europe Against the Jews, 1880-1945, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysIron Curtain: The Crushing of Eastern Europe, 1944-1956, (Paperback) $14.98
$1498current price $14.98Iron Curtain: The Crushing of Eastern Europe, 1944-1956, (Paperback)
15 out of 5 Stars. 1 reviewsSave withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysElectrified Sheep: Glass-Eating Scientists, Nuking the Moon, and More Bizarre Experiments (Paperback) $9.07
$907current price $9.07Electrified Sheep: Glass-Eating Scientists, Nuking the Moon, and More Bizarre Experiments (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysRed Rain False Flag, Book 9, (Paperback) $14.99
$1499current price $14.99Red Rain False Flag, Book 9, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysThe Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation (Paperback) $8.49
$849current price $8.49The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation (Paperback)
Shipping, arrives in 3+ daysRomanov Novel Rasputin's Daughter, Book 2, (Paperback) $12.32
$1232current price $12.32Romanov Novel Rasputin's Daughter, Book 2, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ days13 Years Lost: An Unbelievable Story of Fleeing Communist Poland to Traveling the World Serving the United Nations, (Paperback) $19.99
$1999current price $19.9913 Years Lost: An Unbelievable Story of Fleeing Communist Poland to Traveling the World Serving the United Nations, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ daysStalin's Daughter: The Extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva, (Paperback) $14.65 Was $17.19
2 optionsAvailable in additional 2 optionsNow$1465current price Now $14.65, Was $17.19$17.19Stalin's Daughter: The Extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ days200 Years Together II: The Jews in the Soviet Union, (Paperback) $30.00
$3000current price $30.00200 Years Together II: The Jews in the Soviet Union, (Paperback)
Save withShipping, arrives in 3+ days
Customer ratings & reviews
Related pages
- Attractions Toronto
- Lantern Guide
- Underground England
- Lights Siberia
- City Lights Books
- Napoleon And Europe
- Russian & Former Soviet Union Art Books
- Medieval History Kids' Books
- Caribbean & Latin American Legends Kids' Books
- Renaissance History Kids' Books
- Norman Conquest to Late Medieval Great Britain History Books
- France Travel Books










