From Missionary Days To Reagan US China Policy by V. Vorontsov

Posted on May 31, 2025 by The Mitr

In this book V. B. Vorontsov, D. Sc. (Hist.), offers a history-oriented analysis of the policies pursued by the USA and China in the Pacific, the contradictions between them, and their tactics relative to third nations in the period from the 1960s to the early 1980s. The reader is led up to the conclusions to be drawn from the historical lessons learned by the governments of the USA and China in the process of their attempts to form a military-political alliance.

Translated from the Russian by David Skvirsky
Designed by Vladimir Bisengaliev

This is a cleaned, optimised version of

https://archive.org/details/frommissionarydaystoreagan
A 1987 Soviet work. Scanned by Alex Boykowich.
From Thomas Mrett’s IA collection.

You can get the book here and here

Introduction 9
Chapter One. Missionaries “Discover” China: Hopes and Disappointments 19
Chapter Two. The US Fiasco in China (1940s) 35
Chapter Three. “Asia First” 58
Chapter Four. On the Road of Confrontation 78
Chapter Five. The Dulles Policy and Its Reassessment 98
Chapter Six. Turn Towards Partnership 130
Chapter Seven. US Far Eastern Commitments: Test of Credibility 172
Chapter Eight. Balancing in a Tense Situation 196
Chapter Nine. Leftist Liberalism and Right-Wing Anti-Communism 222
Conclusion 258

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The Roaring Nineties – A Story of the Goldfields of Western Australia by Katharine Sussanah Prichard

Posted on May 30, 2025 by The Mitr

Katharine Susannah Prichard’s The Roaring Nineties is a historical novel set in the 1890s during the Western Australian gold rush. It chronicles the lives of prospectors, miners, and their families as they navigate the harsh realities of frontier life. The novel vividly depicts the economic boom, social upheaval, and the exploitation of workers, interwoven with themes of love, ambition, and resilience. Prichard’s rich storytelling captures the spirit and struggles of the era, offering a critical perspective on the human cost of rapid industrial and economic change.

You can get the book here and here

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Tales Of Italy by Maxim Gorky

Posted on May 29, 2025 by The Mitr

Maxim Gorky’s Tales of Italy is a collection of short stories that explore the lives and struggles of the working class in Italy. Written during Gorky’s travels in the country, these stories capture the essence of Italian life through vivid descriptions and compelling character portrayals. Each tale delves into the themes of poverty, injustice, and human resilience, reflecting Gorky’s socialist ideals and empathy for the downtrodden. The collection offers a poignant and critical look at society, highlighting the universal quest for dignity and justice amidst adversity.

Translated from the Russian by Rose Prokofieva
Illustrated by T.V. Shishmareva

You can get the book here and here
CONTENTS

THE STRIKE 1
CHILDREN OF PARMA .19
FLOWERS .27
THE TUNNEL 33
THE CITY 41
MIDDAY 45
THE WEDDING .53
THE PROPAGANDIST 61
THE MOTHER 75
THE MONSTER 99
THE MOTHER OF A TRAITOR .111
THE FISHERMAN’S BEHEST .123
THE SENTENCE .131
HOW GIOVANNI BECAME A SOCIALIST .143
BROTHER AND SISTER 165
THE INTELLIGENTSIA .181
THE TROUBLE-MAKER .191
VENDETTA 205
GIOVANNI TUBA .213
OLD CECCO 223
THE NATIVITY .235
NUNCIA .249
CARLONE GALIARDI .259
YOUNG ITALY 265
HATRED .277
PEPE 287
EASTER 297

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How The Steel Was Tempered Parts 1 and 2 by Nikolai Ostrovsky

Posted on May 28, 2025 by The Mitr

“How the Steel Was Tempered”
How the Steel Was Tempered is a Soviet novel by Nikolai Ostrovsky. It tells the story of Pavel Korchagin, a young man who becomes a dedicated revolutionary fighter during the Russian Civil War and subsequent socialist construction. Through personal hardship and immense physical suffering, Pavel embodies the virtues of self-sacrifice, perseverance, and loyalty to the communist cause. His journey from an enthusiastic youth to a battle-hardened, paralyzed soldier reflects the ideological tenets of socialist realism, emphasizing the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and the importance of collective over individual goals.

Nikolai Ostrovsky and His Struggles
Nikolai Ostrovsky, the author of How the Steel Was Tempered, faced significant personal struggles throughout his life. Born in 1904, he joined the Komsomol and later the Red Army, participating actively in the Russian Civil War. At the age of 19, he was severely injured, leading to paralysis and blindness due to a progressive illness. Despite these debilitating conditions, Ostrovsky wrote his novel using a special frame to guide his pen, dictating to his family, and later typing with one finger. His determination to continue his work despite immense physical suffering mirrored the resilience and dedication of his protagonist, making his life story an inspiring testament to perseverance and the human spirit.

 

Translated from the Russian by R. Prokofieva
Illustrations by A. Reznichenko
Designed by I. Tsarevich

Original scan by DLI, this is a cleaned, optimised scan.

Part 1 here and here

Part 2 here and here

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Rare Animals by Igor Akimushkin

Posted on May 27, 2025 by The Mitr

A small book about rare animals in the world and their habitats.

Drawings by N. Charushin
Translated from the Russian by Jan Butler

You can get the book here and here

 

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আওয়ার সামার (Our Summer In Bengali) by (Yelena Uspenskaya)

Posted on May 26, 2025 by The Mitr

ইয়েলেনা উসপেনস্কায়ার” আমাদের গ্রীষ্ম”, মূলত 1954 সালে প্রকাশিত, একটি উপন্যাস যা গ্রীষ্মের ছুটিতে সোভিয়েত শিশুদের একটি গোষ্ঠীর অভিজ্ঞতার দিকে নজর দেয়৷ দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের পর সোভিয়েত ইউনিয়নের পটভূমিতে সেট করা, গল্পটি যুগের মূল্যবোধ এবং সামাজিক পরিবর্তনগুলিকে সূক্ষ্মভাবে প্রতিফলিত করার সময় যুবকদের নির্দোষতা, অ্যাডভেঞ্চার এবং বন্ধুত্বকে ক্যাপচার করে৷ বর্ণনাটি প্রাণবন্ত বর্ণনা এবং নস্টালজিয়ার গভীর অনুভূতি দিয়ে সমৃদ্ধ, এটি শৈশব এবং দৈনন্দিন জীবনে ঐতিহাসিক প্রেক্ষাপটের প্রভাব সম্পর্কে একটি বাধ্যতামূলক পাঠ করে তোলে৷

You can get the book here and here

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The Shore by Yuri Bondarev

Posted on May 25, 2025 by The Mitr

Yuri Bondarev’s The Shore is a profound exploration of human resilience and the moral complexities of war. Set during World War II, the novel follows the journey of a Soviet soldier who, amidst the brutalities of battle, reflects on his past and contemplates his future. Bondarev delves into themes of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit, presenting a poignant narrative that highlights the psychological and emotional impacts of war. Through vivid character portrayals and intricate storytelling, The Shore offers a compelling look at the personal and collective struggles faced by individuals during one of history’s most tumultuous periods.

 

Translated from the Russian by Keith Hammond
Illustrated by Sergei Geta
Designed by Timur Samigulin

You can get the book here and here

Foreword by Y. Idashkin 7
Part One. ON THE OTHER SIDE 21
Part Two. MADNESS 107
Part Three. NOSTALGIA 335

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The Hot Snow by Yuri Bondarev

Posted on May 24, 2025 by The Mitr

“Hot Snow” by Yuri Bondarev is a gripping war novel set during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. It tells the story of a Red Army anti-tank battery facing a relentless German assault led by General von Manstein. Despite overwhelming odds and severe losses, the Soviet soldiers manage to halt the German advance. The novel highlights themes of bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie among the soldiers, and ends with General Lieutenant Bessonov awarding the surviving soldiers for their heroic efforts. Bondarev’s own experiences as a battery commander during the war add a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.

Translated from the Russian by Robert Daglish

Note: Scan quality is very poor, but readable.

You can get the book here and here

The film adaptation of the book can be seen here

 

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Heroic Life Of Nikolai Ostrovsky by S. Tregub

Posted on May 23, 2025 by The Mitr

The Heroic Life of Nikolai Ostrovsky” by S. Tregub details the inspiring journey of Nikolai Ostrovsky, a Soviet writer and Communist activist, known for his novel “How the Steel Was Tempered.” Despite being stricken with severe illness that left him blind and paralyzed, Ostrovsky remained a dedicated revolutionary and writer. Tregub’s biography emphasizes Ostrovsky’s perseverance, ideological commitment, and his role as a symbol of Soviet resilience and determination during challenging times​.

Translated from the Russian by Helen Altschuler
Designed by Y. Rakuzin

You can get the book here and here

CONTENTS
Childhood—Adolescence—Youth 9
Illness. The Struggle to Return to the Ranks 24
The Writing of “How the Steel Was Tempered” 34
Return to the Ranks 47
Sochi, Orekhovaya Ulitsa, 47 61
In Moscow 80
The Summer of 1936 93
Ostrovsky’s Last Months 106
“How the Steel Was Tempered” .118
“Born of the Storm” .128
Always in the Ranks .141

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The Old Genie Hottabych – A Story of Make Believe by Lazar Lagin

Posted on May 22, 2025 by The Mitr

Lazar Lagin’s ‘The Old Genie Hottabych’ is a delightful story about Volka, a young Soviet boy who finds an ancient genie named Hottabych in an old jug. When Hottabych tries to fit into Volka’s world, his magic leads to all sorts of funny and crazy adventures. As the genie learns about modern life, Volka and Hottabych become good friends. The story is full of magic, friendship, and lots of laughs, making it a fun read for kids who love fantastical tales.

Translated from the Russian by Fainna Solasko
Illustrated and Designed by B. Markevich

You can get the book here and here

Contents

A Most Unusual Morning 9
The Strange Vessel 12
The Old Genie 15
The Geography Examination 37
Hottabych’s Second Service 40
An Unusual Event at the Movies 50
A Troubled Evening 59
A Chapter Which Is a Continuation of the Previous One 64
A Restless Night 67
The Unusual Events in Apartment 72
A No Less Troubled Morning 75
Why S. S. Pivoraki Became Less Talkative 83
An Interview with a Diver 86
Charting a Flight 90
The Flight 95
Zhenya Bogorad’s Adventures Far Away in the East 99
Tra-la-la, O ibn Alyosha! 104
Meet My Friend 107
Have Mercy on Us, O Mighty Ruler! 116
It’s So Embarrassing to Be an Illiterate Genie 121
Who’s the Richest? 127
A Camel in the Street 133
A Mysterious Happening in the Bank 139
Hottabych and Sidorelli 153
A Hospital Under the Bed 156
One in Which We Return to the Barking Boy 167
Hottabych and Mr. Moneybags 170
Hassan Abdurrakhman ibn Hottab’s Story of His Adventures After Leaving the Shop 173
The Same and Mr. Moneybags 181
Extra Tickets 183
Ice-Cream Again 185
How Many Footballs Do You Need? 188
Hottabych Enters the Game 192
The Situation Becomes More Tense 200
Reconciliation 202
Where Should They Look for Omar? 205
The Story Told by the Conductor of the Moscow-Odessa Express of What Happened on the Nara-Maly Yaroslavets Line 211
The Strange Sailing Ship 213
Aboard the “Sweet Omar” 220
The “VK-1” Magic-Carpet-Seaplane 224
Hottabych Is Lost and Found Again 231
The Vessel From the Pillars of Hercules 234
The Shortest Chapter of All 235
Dreaming of the “Ladoga” 243
A Commotion at the Central Excursion Bureau 247
Who Is Most Famous? 253
The Unexpected Encounter 260
What Interferes with Sleeping? 262
Shipwrecked? 267
Hottabych at His Best 274
“Salaam, Sweet Omar!” 284
Omar Asaf Bares His Claws 294
What Good Optical Instruments Can Lead To 300
Hottabych’s Fatal Passion 302
Hottabych’s New Year Visit 308
Epilogue 308

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