In Chapter 5 of “Essays on ‘We the Living,'” John Ridpath tells the history of Russia from the 13th century up to the rise of Communism, with the emphasis on explaining the roots of that terrible movement.
I enjoyed the logical structure (the integration) in which this was presented. It provided a framework for further research, should I choose to learn more.
A curious aside: I was wondering about the word “proletariat,” which is used in the context of Marxism. I think this word sounds much too fancy, and should warrant an explanation that John Ridpath did not include. I looked up the origin of this word, and found the following. Turns out the word is derived from “proles,” which means “child” in Latin.
PROLETARIUS: Latin: In Roman law. A person of poor or mean condition; those among the common people whose fortunes were below a certain valuation; those who were so poor that they could not serve the state with money, but only with their children, (proles.)
/sb
