Bolshevism: Mr. Keeling's Five Years in Russia is a first person narrative told by a British lithograph and photography tradesman who took a job in Russia just before World War One began. He describes Russian society under the Tsar, the impact of the war, and the disastrous consequences of the Bolsheviks taking power.
He witnessed the first liberal democratic revolution in February 1917, and the high hopes and idealism that took hold of the people. He saw firsthand how the Bolsheviks systematically undermined the Provisional Government, and then took power in the October Revolution. He describes how private property rights were assaulted, and how theft, lying, and black markets took over the economy. He describes how the Bolsheviks turned against local democracy and the newly elected Constituent Assembly, and did all they could to make the situation worse so they could take over. Realizing he will not long survive the situation, either he will starve to death like many did, or be executed by Red Guards, he makes an escape north through Finland.
This is a new edition of the public domain book that was originally published in 1919.
This new edition includes:
Mr. Keeling's remarks from a talk he gave in England after he came home, included as an appendix.
A new Foreword written by the publisher,
Several footnotes illuminating the references made by the author.
New format, layout, typesetting.
Bulkington Book's mission is to build a bridge into the past, before film, television, copyright, and internet swallowed up the world. We found this story worthy of revival, and we hope you find it worth your while.
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ8TC2MT
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQVJT9SK
Our Substack Post, including the Foreword, can be read here:
https://bulkingtonbooks.substack.com/p/preface-to-mr-keeling
the original text can be found here on archive: https://archive.org/details/bolshevismmrkeel00keeluoft
