The Imperial Trace

Reviews / Votes

The Imperial Trace is hands down the most thought-provoking book that I have read in quite some time. It is as well (and wittily) written as it is thoroughly researched and skillfully argued, no mean feat given the complexity of the ideas therein. This superb book is essential reading for anyone interested in nations and empire and their cultural manifestations, in Russian cultural politics, and in late Soviet and contemporary Russian film. * Slavic Review * Offers some compelling interpretations for six of Russia's contemporary directors. This is greatly appreciated and provides a starting point for other such scholarly discussions...Condee provides much insight into late- and post-Soviet cinema, which will be a relevant source for future scholarship. * Slavic and East European Journal * Imperial Trace provides insightful, always absorbing, sometimes provocative readings of the dialogue with the imperial legacy in the work of the six most significant film directors working in contemporary Russia. * Julian Graffy, University College London * This is a book full of surprises; rather than settling issues, it breaks open the discussion. * Ronald Grigor Suny, University of Michigan * This study represents not only a superb overview and nuanced reading of works by major Russian filmmakers bridging the late Soviet and post-Soviet period, but also a groundbreaking study of the intersection between constructions of empire, cultural institutions, and cinematic texts. * Catharine Nepomnyashchy, Columbia University *