Russia in Flames: War, Revolution, and Civil War, 1914–1921, written by Laura Engelstein

This behemoth chronicle brings up important questions about how to write histories of world-historical events. Should the author approach them in a strictly chronological, chronicle-like manner? This has the advantage of showcasing the bewildering complexity of simultaneity—events occurring in different parts of the former empire overwhelming first the Provisional Government and then the Bolsheviks as they struggle to retain power. The thematic approach to history loses the immediacy of the chronicle but offers in-depth analysis of trends and contexts. Unfortunately, Engelstein artificially reorganizes her meticulous chronicle into