Maurice Baring (1874–1945)

A more helpful guide to Russian literature than the last one (the Oxford Very Short Introduction, which I found too academic and more or less pointless for the beginner). This book takes a more conventional and systematic historical-chronological approach, spending a respectable amount of time on pre-19th century developments, although the judgement is that real literature starts only with the 19th. Consequently, the account efficiently signposts the main pre-19th works and writers one needs show more to look into, both the medieval ones like the 'Chronicle of Kiev' and the "Lay of Prince Igor', as well as the main 18th century writers like Lomonosov, Kantemir, Radischev, Derzhavin, and relates the state of the arts to the political situation. The account comes unhurriedly via Krylov of the fables, the Decembrists, Griboyedov of 'Gore ot Uma', finally to Pushkin by page 27. Here the author des not try to debunk the status accorded by the Russians themselves to Pushkin, acknowledging him as the person above all who created the modern language and laid the foundation of a national literature.
All in all, I find this an eminently helpful and accessible account. show less

Unfortunately I read this book months ago and never got around to reviewing, but felt it was still worth a few words. I gave the book 4 stars for historical context. But for those who have read it, you will know that is essentially a day-to-day diary at its basic form. Baring, who had no military training or knowledge prior to the war, like most--wanted to contribute. He was assigned to the "intelligence department" of the newly created Royal Flying Corps, and immediately went to France. show more There he performed a variety of roles, much of which had nothing to do with intelligence, but over time, his close association with the RFC and RAF become an absolute contribution to the cause. His perspective on the war one might find disturbing or somewhat aloof, since he was not involved in the horrible trench warfare, but was usually in the rear echelon at headquarters. But his insights into the rapid growth of aviation during the war gives a keen insight into the development of aerial warfare in WWI. show less

This is a reprint of a journal written during WWI by a man closely associated with the establishment and growth of the British flying corps in Europe.
It is hearing history as it is being made a century ago with the innovations of the time, the timelessness of wartime suffering, battlefront humor and camaraderie. His writing brings to life this particular arena of a time and a war so different, yet so like our own. From our perspective, all these years later, it is amazing what these men were show more able to accomplish.
History geeks, arise and dig into this book!
Received at my request courtesy of NetGalley. show less

This is a curious novel written by the multi-talented Maurice Baring. It concerns the life and times of Caryl Bramsley (the 'C' of the title), literary scion of a late Victorian family, with prodigious details of his education and explorations amongst literature, and his relationship with a number of young women, especially a married femme fatale. There will be those who feel that he could have done with a good kick. Nonetheless, strangely fascinating.