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Title: A great source of coherent info for the beginner
Review: I read this book as a supplement to the 1917 Revolution segment of my History class, and found it quite helpful in providing the details behind the events described in class. As someone previously uninformed about the events described, it was helpful that Pipes did not assume an informed viewer and described the simple terms and concepts before he elaborated any further. Information is presented in an interesting form, providing information not only about the events but also the people behind the events. The pictures throughout are also useful in attatching a name to the many faces described, which results in the history being more personal, and thus more 'real', to the reader. My only complaint was that I found the last two chapters slightly hard to get through. It is clear he is deeply familiar with the issues being described, however, and the book will make a great reference book for both the beginner and the expert.
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