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Title: Absolute Zhirinovsky: A Transparent View of the Distinguished Russian Statesman by Graham Frazer, George Lancelle, Graham Fraser ISBN: 0140243399 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: July, 1994 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $7.95

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Average Customer Rating: 5

Rating: 5
Summary: Essential for understanding subtexts of Russian character
Comment: This books is an easy read - not dry or scholarly - which provides for the reader a tremendous insight into what the authors call the 'banalities,' or "confused jumble of present-day Russian 'views'," which are epitomized by the persona of Vladimir Zhirinovsky. It helps explain Russia's self-perception as a major player / power in the international arena. The book is concise, and consists of a lot of direct quotes by Zhirinovsky, plus explanatory text by the authors which put Zhirinovsky and these Russian 'banalities' into a historical context. Although it was written in 1994 when Zhirinovsky was a major political player and rival of Yeltsin, and although Zhirinovsky is a diminished but still potent force in Russian politics; the book's real value is in its insight into the subtexts of the Russian character.

Even for those (unlike myself) who are not particularly interested in the character of this Russian 'demagogue,' the raison d'etre of this book is to elucidate: "... the body of such shared traditions and experience, reduced to the lowest common denominator, that is, 'matters of common knowledge' that thinking people may be ashamed to voice or think unnecessary to mention." (p. x from the preface). This is what Zhirinovsky does for Russians. The real value of this book is bringing Russian 'matters of common knowledge' to light for the Western reader. I have never found a book that could accomplish this so poignantly and in such an entertaining fashion. I have lived in Russia associating with Russians in typical Russian fashion for seven years. During more candid moments I have heard many friends echoing certain of Zhirinovsky's sentiments. Although these are people that call Zhirinovsky a 'clown' and do not support him, most admit that he is a master at reflecting the Russian collective consciousness.

It is a 'must-read' for anyone interested in what is really going on (but not expressed) inside the hearts and minds of many average Russians.