Central Asians Under Russian Rule

The late Elizabeth Bacon was Professor of Anthropology at Michigan State University.

Bacon has produced a landmark study of cultural change in Soviet Central Asia after a century of intensive modernization. She expertly weaves the historical, linguistic, geographic, political, economic, and cultural threads of the region into a fascinating narrative with well-selected photographs and an extensive bibliography. Highly recommended to specialist and generalist alike.(World Affairs) Bacon's work stands the test of time amazingly well. Her book may still be the best general introduction to modern Central Asia, especially regarding the sensitive topic of identity and Russification.(Whole Earth) Central Asians under Russian Rule is at the same time a useful compendium of facts on the native cultures and customs of the pastoral and oasis peoples, and a survey and assessment of the changes wrought in their ways by Russian and Soviet influences.(International Affairs) This objective, readable account will be a useful addition to literature on Central Asia. The book is well documented with an extensive bibliography.(American Political Science Review) This well-written book points to an interesting selectivity in the adoption or, on the contrary, rejection of an imported culture.(Royal Anthropological Institute)