Rumours and Revolution. Review of: Aksenov, V. B. (2020). Slukhi, obrazy, emotsii. Massovye nastroe­niia rossiian v gody voiny i revoliutsii (1914–1918) [Rumours, Images, Emotions. The Mass Sentiment of Russians during the Years of War and Revolution (1914–1918)]. Moscow: Novoe literaturnoe obozrenie. 992 p., ill.

Abstract

The monograph under review is devoted to the study of mass consciousness during World War I and the 1917 Revolution. More particularly, the author analyses the content and distribution of rumours in various segments of the population. Trying to explain the role of rumours in the 1917 Revolution, V. B. Aksenov turns to the concept of synergetics; random fluctuations (such as rumours) can trigger global processes as part of this concept. However, the author’s specific arguments are insufficient for such an interpretation of the role of rumours in the events of February 1917.

Keywords

• россия
• первая мировая война
• революция 1917 г.
• массовые настроения
• роль слухов
• концепция синергетики