Soviet Military Review

The Stuff of Soldiers uses everyday objects to tell the story of the Great Patriotic War as never before. Brandon Schechter attends to a diverse array of things—from spoons to tanks—to show how a wide array of citizens became soldiers, and how the provisioning of material goods separated soldiers from civilians. Through a fascinating examination of leaflets, proclamations, newspapers, manuals, letters to and from the front, diaries, and interviews, The Stuff of Soldiers reveals how the use of everyday items made it possible to wage war. The dazzling range of documents showcases ethnic diversity, women's particular problems at the front, and vivid descriptions of violence and looting. Each chapter features a series of related objects: weapons, uniforms, rations, and even the knick-knacks in a soldier's rucksack. These objects narrate the experience of people at war, illuminating the changes taking place in Soviet society over the course of the most destructive conflict in recorded history. Schechter argues that spoons, shovels, belts, and watches held as much meaning to the waging of war as guns and tanks. In The Stuff of Soldiers, he describes the transformative potential of material things to create a modern culture, citizen, and soldier during World War II.

Originally published in 1953, Soviet Military Doctrine by Soviet analyst Raymond L. Garthoff was prepared as part of the research program undertaken for the United States Air Force by The RAND Corporation. At the time of its first publication, Soviet Military Doctrine was the most complete and authoritative study available of the basic military science of the USSR. “Garthoff again joins the debate on nuclear deterrence and Moscow’s military intentions. He draws on previously confidential Soviet sources—including a complete file of the Soviet general staff journal—to interpret new developments and changes in the Kremlin’s strategic policy. Highly recommended for academic libraries.”—James R. Kuhlman, University of Georgia Library, Athens