Serge Schmemann Knihy

An intimate portrait of 200 years of Russian history, drawing on the memoirs, letters and artwork of the author's family archives, discovered on a visit to the remote village of Sergievskoye. Schemann covers 19th century Russia with czar and church, peasants and masters; the revolution; then exile and destruction of the family estate.

Exploring the lineage of his Russian ancestors, Serge Schmemann weaves a compelling narrative that spans two centuries of Russian history. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, he captures the tumultuous events and cultural shifts that shaped his family's journey, offering readers a profound understanding of the broader historical context. His unique perspective as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist enriches the storytelling, making it a captivating blend of personal memoir and historical account.

Through a special collaboration with The New York Times, Kingfisher Publications is pleased to present a new way to learn about the events and concepts that define our world. Gripping first-person narratives, written by veteran New York Times journalists, bring history and current events to life for young readers. Full-colour illustrations, photographs and sidebars explain key concepts, and historical articles from the archives of The New York Times place events in the global context. This compelling account carries readers back to Berlin, Germany, in 1991. From the moment his East German assistant bursts into his West Berlin office to tell him that the wall is open, Serge Schmemann is in the thick of things, taking readers along as he witnesses the celebration when the wall is opened and the dramatic changes that follow. From this unique perspective readers learn about the wall, its formation, and what it symbolized to the world, and rejoice along with the residents of Germany when they are finally able to reunite with their brothers across the wall.