Mir Books

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Posted in books | Tagged 1950, children's diseases, soviet literature, soviet medicine | Leave a comment

The Gambler And Other Stories by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Posted on May 12, 2026 by The Mitr

You can get the book here and here

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Posted in books | Leave a comment

Volokolamsk Highway by Alexander Bek

Posted on May 11, 2026 by The Mitr

Screenshot

Volokolamsk Highway by Alexander Bek is a poignant novella that explores the harsh realities of life during the Soviet era, particularly focusing on the experiences of soldiers and civilians in wartime. The story follows the journey along the Volokolamsk highway, where characters from various backgrounds intersect, revealing their struggles, hopes, and resilience. Through vivid descriptions and rich character development, Bek delves into themes of sacrifice, the human cost of war, and the quest for identity and purpose amidst chaos. The highway serves as a metaphor for the paths people take in life, highlighting both the physical and emotional journeys of those affected by the tumultuous socio -political landscape of the time. Ultimately, the novella reflects on the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.

Translated from the Russian
Designed by A. L. Ivanov

You can get the book here and here (new, better, complete version)

You can get the book here and here

Note: There is warping on some pages and some pages are missing from the scan.

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Posted in books | Tagged 1950, russian literature, russian novel, soviet literature, soviet novel, war stories, world war 2 | 4 Comments

House On The Square by E. Kazakevich

Posted on May 10, 2026 by The Mitr

Kazakevich’s House on the Square is a post-World War II novella that explores the lives of Soviet soldiers and civilians as they attempt to rebuild their lives and a war-torn town in Eastern Europe. The story focuses on the relationships and interactions between the occupying Soviet forces and the local population, capturing the tension, mistrust, and occasional moments of human connection. The titular house serves as a central symbol of the conflicting emotions and challenges faced by both the victors and the vanquished. Through vivid character portraits and a deep exploration of human nature, Kazakevich reflects on the complex aftermath of war, the consequences of ideological clashes, and the efforts to heal and move forward in the face of lingering trauma.

Translated from the Russian by Martin Parker
Designed by A. Belukin

You can get the book here and here (higher resolution scan)

You can get the book here and here

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

CONTENTS
Page
PART ONE. Journey to the Harz 11
PART TWO. The Land 203
PART THREE. The Ordeal 381

Posted in books | Tagged 1950, post-war society, russian literature, russian novel, soviet literature, soviet novel, soviet society | Leave a comment

Cecil Rhodes And His Time by Apolion Davidson

Posted on May 9, 2026 by The Mitr

Cecil Rhodes…

He has been spoken and written about for a hundred years. Do we really need yet another book?

And does his time, the age when the world was divided up by the European countries using people like Rhodes, really need to be written about again? After all, the age of colonialism is past.

When undertaking this book, the author believed that only now that the political dominance of colonialism has ended can one truly grasp this phenomenon as a whole. And this must be done since the imprint of colonialism still remains on states, and even continents, and on the lives and characters of their inhabitants.

The figure of Rhodes helps one to understand a great deal about how colonialism functioned and about the psychology of people of that time. Why did Rhodes become a symbol of the largest empire in the history of mankind? Why was it Rhodes who became the idol of colonialism in the epoch of the division of the world? And what impression did his personality leave on the nature of colonialism?

These are some of the questions which the book tries to answer.

Translated from the Russian by Christopher English

Jacket: The battle of the Umguza (April 22, 1896). reproduced from Oliver Ransford’s book Bulawayo: Historic Battleground of Rhodesia, Cape Town, 1968.

Title page: A late nineteenth-century map of Southern Africa showing the countries conquered by Rhodes (from the book Rhodes by J. G. Lockhart and Hon. C. M. Woodhouse, London, 1963).

You can get the book here and here

This is a cleaned, optimised scan.

Original Scan

A 1988 Soviet work. Scanned by Ismail.

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Contents

Page

6 Testament of a Young Man

The Gold and Diamond King

26 “How Cecil Rhodes Made His Fortune”

64 His Road to Politics

79 Battle of the Magnates

Hero of the Day

96 The Land of Ophir Between the Zambezi and the Limpopo

120 From the “White Queen” to Inkosi Lobengula

165 Setting Up His Own State

182 His First Military Campaign

214 And the First War

239 The Idol of His Day

Instigator of the Boer War

262 The Conspiracy Against the Afrikaners

286 Rhodesia Against Rhodes

314 Mere Setback or Utter Debacle?

338 “Terug na Die Ou Transvaal” (“Back to the Old Transvaal”)

370 Fading Away

393 Conclusion

400 Appendix

416 References

436 Name Index

Posted in books | Tagged 1988, african subjugation, boer wars, british colonialism, british imperialism, de beer company, history, south africa, southern africa, soviet literature | Leave a comment

Looking Ahead by Vera Panova

Posted on May 8, 2026 by The Mitr

Vera Panova’s Looking Ahead is a thoughtful novel that delves into the post-World War II Soviet experience, focusing on themes of recovery, progress, and the future of Soviet society. The story centres around the lives of several characters who are adjusting to the new realities after the war, dealing with personal and collective challenges. Panova explores the tension between the past and the future, showing how the characters navigate hope, ambition, and the desire for stability in a rapidly changing world. Through their personal stories, the novel reflects broader societal aspirations and the Soviet ideal of moving forward into a brighter, more prosperous future.

Library of Selected Soviet Literature
Stalin Prize 1947

Translated from the Russian by David Skvirsky
Designed by O. Korovin, V. Chistyakov

You can get the book here and here

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Contents

Chapter One. Listopad 10
Chapter Two. The Chief Designer 30
Chapter Three. Lukashin’s Home-Coming 46
Chapter Four. Uzdechkin and Tolka 78
Chapter Five. Children of the Factory 94
Chapter Six. Note-Books 112
Chapter Seven. Eve of Victory 125
Chapter Eight. Mother 154
Chapter Nine. Nonna’s Birthday 173
Chapter Ten. Nonna’s Birthday, Continued 194
Chapter Eleven. Sunday 209
Chapter Twelve. Troubles at Home and at Work 222
Chapter Thirteen. Love 237
Chapter Fourteen. At Night 252
Chapter Fifteen. Ends and Beginnings 276

Posted in books | Tagged progress, russian literature, soviet literature, soviet novel, soviet society | Leave a comment

Hadji Murad by Leo Tolstoy

Posted on May 7, 2026 by The Mitr

Hadji Murad by Leo Tolstoy is a gripping novella set during the Caucasian War, portraying the life of a fierce Avar warrior, Hadji Murad, who finds himself caught between two opposing forces—Imperial Russia and the Chechen rebels. Seeking revenge against Shamil, the Chechen leader who has wronged him, Murad decides to align with the Russians, hoping they will help him free his family from Shamil’s captivity. However, both sides distrust him, and Murad becomes a tragic figure, navigating the complexities of loyalty, honour, and survival. Tolstoy explores the brutality of war, the corrupting nature of power, and the heroism of a man trapped in impossible circumstances, ultimately reflecting on the futility of human conflict.

Translated by Aylmer Maude

You can get the book here and here

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Posted in books | Tagged 1912, russian literature, russian novel | Leave a comment

Soviet Music – Music Education And Music Making by Boris Yagolim

Posted on May 6, 2026 by The Mitr

A small booklet highlighting the nature and practice of Soviet music schools.

You can get the book here and here

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Contents

Music Education 5

Children’s Music Schools 10
Specially Talented Child 11
Three Famous Children 12
Secondary Music Schools 16

State Conservatoires
General 19
Curricula 20
Student Repertoire 26
Concerts and the Conservatories 28

Research Work 28
Central Museum, Moscow 33
Scientific Library, Moscow 35
Special Conservatoires:
Gnesin School (Music Teachers’ College) 38
Military Band Schools 39

Music Education in General Schools 40
Adult Music Education 41
Full Employment of Musicians 45

Part II Concert Life

State Philharmonic Societies 46
Programmes 48
Operas in Concert Form 51
Festival Concerts 52
Opera, Ballet and Musical Comedy 52
Opera Repertoire 54
Music Broadcasts 56
Music Publishing 58

Conditions of Work For Professional Musicians 61
Amateur Music-Making 64
Houses of People’s Art 67
Amateur Concerts 68
Biographical Note on the Author 72

Posted in books | Leave a comment

Tales Of Sevastopol by Leo Tolstoy

Posted on May 5, 2026 by The Mitr

Tales of Sevastopol is a collection of three short stories by Leo Tolstoy, set during the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. The narratives depict the harsh realities faced by soldiers and civilians amidst the chaos of war, exploring themes of courage, suffering, and moral dilemmas. In “Sevastopol in December,” soldiers endure the brutal winter conditions, grappling with their fears and struggles for survival. “Sevastopol in May” highlights the resilience and camaraderie of the troops as they cope with their physical and emotional wounds while battling the ongoing conflict. Finally, “Sevastopol in August” reflects on the escalating siege, emphasizing sacrifice and heroism as characters confront their fates. Through vivid descriptions and compelling characters, Tolstoy provides a profound commentary on the human condition and the complexities of war, illustrating the enduring impact of suffering and the search for meaning amidst chaos.

Illustrations by Sharleman
Designed, by Eugene Kogan

You can get the book here and here
Follow us on
Twitter https://x.com/MirTitles
Mastadon https://mastodon.social/@mirtitles
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social
Tumblr https://www.tumblr.com/mirtitles
Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles
Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

Posted in books | Tagged russian literature, russian novel, soviet literature | Leave a comment

White Nights by Fydor Dostoyevsky

Posted on May 4, 2026 by The Mitr

White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a poignant novella that explores themes of love, loneliness, and the nature of dreams. The story follows an unnamed narrator, a lonely and introspective man living in St. Petersburg, who spends his nights wandering the city’s streets. One evening, he encounters a young woman named Nastenka, who shares her own feelings of isolation and longing. As they form a deep emotional bond, the narrator falls in love with her, envisioning a hopeful future together. However, Nastenka’s heart belongs to another man, leading to a bittersweet conclusion. The novella captures the essence of human connection and the pain of unrequited love, ultimately revealing the contrast between dreams and reality.

Translated from the Russian
by O. N. Shartsé
Designed by V. M. Basov

You can get the book here and here

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mirtitles.bsky.social

Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/mir-titles

Fork us on gitlab https://gitlab.com/mirtitles

You can get the book here and here