The Pre-Loved edit from Shopbop
To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
-45% $8.79
FREE delivery Tuesday, January 28 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$8.79 with 45 percent savings
List Price: $15.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, January 28 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Saturday, January 25. Order within 16 hrs 47 mins.
Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
$$8.79 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$8.79
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$1.21
Very Good Very Good See less
$3.98 delivery January 31 - February 1. Details
Or fastest delivery January 28 - 31. Details
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
$$8.79 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$8.79
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by glenthebookseller.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Among the Russians Paperback – December 26, 2000

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 270 ratings

off. Enter code INSTAPAY10 at checkout. Discount by Amazon. Terms  off. Promo code INSTAPAY10 is saved to your account. Discount by Amazon. Terms  
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$8.79","priceAmount":8.79,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"79","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"EjAMITRJnhNqLZYbwXdQfuMLZR3tahCJ7oUjZJHj9au2ZOIW2jnoqcFVRz2e4XXxXZ4a5EyLDqIfnDfxO7srrpAPNQqv%2BG0xbwMztvSPQwAFlApSufYDKqDt%2FkDIezRa%2BMB99p%2Bd6ow%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$1.21","priceAmount":1.21,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"1","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"21","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"EjAMITRJnhNqLZYbwXdQfuMLZR3tahCJe6iee908SZw8eLBKvhSz7vzHbIJgU%2BxMCAo988%2BASoCN%2FAUgayZ%2BKbXB7Uf%2BadpZd3mghekQHUOZBMLGzLEHodqwGNh1qkTDx38gGTGLFwSf3Eq%2FMPNFdlg6kw%2BR2PTfA3bEWQkLdlhjDadRJMm9TO2THF%2FRXWKV","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

"There is no travel writer working today in English who possesses such a remarkable combination of the observant and the lyric gifts--the most poetic of us all."  — Jan Morris

The first book in Thubron's Russian trilogy AMONG THE RUSSIANS, called "superb" by the New York Times Book Review, recounts Thurbon's 10,000 mile journey throughout half of Russia's cities and countryside.

Here is a fresh perspective on the last tumultuous years of the Soviet Union and an exquisitely poetic travelogue. With a keen grasp of Russia's history, a deep appreciation for its architecture and iconography, and an inexhaustible enthusiasm for its people and its culture, Colin Thubron is the perfect guide to a country most of us will never get to know firsthand. Here, we can walk down western Russia's country roads, rest in its villages, and explore some of the most engaging cities in the world. Beautifully written and infinitely insightful, Among the Russians is vivid, compelling travel writing that will also appeal to readers of history and current events—and to anyone captivated by the shape and texture of one of the world's most enigmatic cultures.

The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: Among the Russians
$8.79
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 28
Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$12.85
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 28
Only 5 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$10.21
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 28
Only 9 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There is no travel writer working today in English who possesses such a remarkable combination of the observant and the lyric gifts--the most poetic of us all." — Jan Morris

From the Back Cover

Here is a fresh perspective on the last tumultuous years of the Soviet Union and an exquisitely poetic travelogue.With a keen grasp of Russia's history, a deep appreciation for its architecture and iconography, and an inexhaustible enthusiasm for its people and its culture, Colin Thubron is the perfect guide to a country most of us will never get to know firsthand. Here, we can walk down western Russia's country roads, rest in its villages, and explore some of the most engaging cities in the world. Beautifully written and infinitely insightful, Among the Russians is vivid, compelling travel writing that will also appeal to readers of history and current events—and to anyone captivated by the shape and texture of one of the world's most enigmatic culture.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0060959290
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial; 1st Perennial ed edition (December 26, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780060959296
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060959296
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.5 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 270 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Colin Thubron
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
270 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and readable. They appreciate the author's observant writing style and find it interesting.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
10 customers mention "Language"8 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's language. They find it well-written, readable, and engaging. The text is described as poetic in parts, but convoluted at times. Overall, readers enjoy the writing style and craftsmanship of the book.

"Colin Thubron is a wonderfully observant and quite literary writer. I marveled throughout the book at the beauty of its crafting...." Read more

"...I was thoroughly impressed with the language of the text that in certain aspects it was very rich, almost poetic but sometimes convoluted and..." Read more

"a very interesting and well written book...." Read more

"This is a well-written book, for the pre-Chornoble era. So much has changed since 1983, it is now a history book...." Read more

3 customers mention "Observance"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's observant and literary writing style. They find the book interesting and well-written.

"Colin Thubron is a wonderfully observant and quite literary writer. I marveled throughout the book at the beauty of its crafting...." Read more

"...author tried to understand the Russian soul and observed with as much insight as possible people and the places he visited...." Read more

"a very interesting and well written book...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2022
    Colin Thubron is a wonderfully observant and quite literary writer. I marveled throughout the book at the beauty of its crafting. One thing only bothered me and made the last part of the book comparatively hard to enjoy as much. Beginning with the section on Armenia, the editing went to hell in a hand basket- almost as if the proofreader just decided to uncritically accept all spellcheck and autocorrect changes and go home to his slippers and beer. Still, the fact that it was written about a time when all these places were still part of the Soviet Union does not seem to compromise his portrait of the people and their lives.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
    Following my recent trip to St. Petersburg, this was an interesting read. I must admit, I read only the Leningrad and Tallinn portions of Thubron's book, but it is a heartfelt recounting of his amazing trip. Some of the language is little overblown for me, but it was his journey, and he tells the story well. I enjoyed the walkabout in St. Petersburg and Tallinn story of the pastor.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2018
    An amazing journey at the end of an era. The author tried to understand the Russian soul and observed with as much insight as possible people and the places he visited. I was thoroughly impressed with the language of the text that in certain aspects it was very rich, almost poetic but sometimes convoluted and difficult to understand. Greatly enjoyed reading this book and I think it is a unique travel memoir.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2010
    As a cultural anthropologist who was been living and working in St. Petersburg, Russia for several years I can recommend this book for only what it is now. This is a travel narrative written over a period of weeks by one person, who did not speak Russian, in a tightly regulated tourist industry. Firstly, most people would agree that not speaking a language of a culture seriously inhibits your ability to assess what is actually happening and why. Secondly, at the time this was originally written, the Soviet Union, nor anyone else thought that it was in decline (1980 was also the year that the Olympics were held in Russia and an year after the invasion of Afghanistan)and seeing it as such is only because of hindsight.

    Thuborn's travel is from the in-tourist perspective, several other Western travelers who visited for conferences and business trips might explain something completely different. I know one such American photographer, Demarest Peterson, who traveled to Russia in the 1950's who was virtually uninhibited by the tourist guides from the in-tourist department, and was even able to take pictures of worshipers in a Russian Orthodox church during this time!

    Consider the alternative, imagine a Russian who was able to visit the US, under false pretenses, at about the same time, alone, poor in English and by car (if this would ever have been allowed). Would they be allowed to travel independently? Probably not. Would they be monitored by governmental officials? Probably yes. Would they be requested to join an official tour group to "give them a better traveling experience" (to keep an eye on them)? Yes, most certainly. Would their documents have been examined? Yes. Seeing it from the other side may help to explain the experiences that Thuborn had. Very few traveled to Russia from the West during this time which may help to explain the enigma of Russia more than one persons two week journal.

    I can recommend this book from only this perspective, as a historical narrative, and not as something to be considered for 2010. Russia has changed greatly in the last 10 years alone and it resembles nothing of the Soviet Union in 1980. If taken as a guide this book, now, will only heighten one's sense of cultural shock. And when you return, write of your own experiences, they are sorely needed.
    19 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2014
    a very interesting and well written book. Mr Thuron has a knack for describing unusual encounters with people and his descriptions of places visited is poetic at times and starkly realistic as well. His very subtle sense of humour reveals itself in the most unexpected ways. An insight into how things were in russia not that long ago!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2016
    This is a well-written book, for the pre-Chornoble era. So much has changed since 1983, it is now a history book. In fact, it is word-for-word "Where the Nights are Longest," published by Colin Thubron in 1983, save for a few lines in the Foreword. The "2001" copyright is therefore misleading--it is a a 1983 book.
    18 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2016
    I love everything this man writes.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2014
    Loved it, beautiful!

Top reviews from other countries

  • J. Scott-mandeville
    5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic Russia from a leading travel writer
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2022
    Colin Thubron is No. 1 in my estimation as a travel writer. He captures personal and objective visions and ideas in every sentence. His meetings with Russians in this book are brilliantly evoked and bring this vast and bewildering country and its people to life. Although this book was written some years ago, the Russian character does not, I believe, change, and I recommend this short and brilliant piece of writing by this writer par excellence who never fails to interest, amuse, and educate.
  • Gloria A. Gibbins
    5.0 out of 5 stars I felt as if I was in Russia and loved the
    Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2018
    Colin Thubron never fails to please. I felt as if I was in Russia and loved the book
  • BIGSKIES
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wunderbar
    Reviewed in Germany on July 29, 2013
    Evocatively written even though twenty years ago...very illuminating.

    The book was cheap and quickly despatched...highly worthwhile as a read.

    Thank you.
  • jgr Now know it never needs to be taken off. Beautifully engraved. Lovely small size and just hope it will be noticed in an emergency!!
    4.0 out of 5 stars Massive of detail about the 1980s
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 10, 2020
    Published in the 1980s so things will have changed. Found some of the descriptions about architecture a bit heavy and skipped some, but found the interviews most interesting. Overall, enjoyed it a lot.
  • Antony Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2021
    Brilliant book