The Bolshevik revolution of 1917 was one of the most important events of the 20th century. It has been studied from many angles, but never before from the visual perspective of postcards, a surprising number of which were published around the event, many in Russia but also France, England, the USA and other countries.

This book brings together a collection of these postcards chronicling the events leading up to the Russian revolution, from the murder in 1905 of Grand Duke Alexander by revolutionaries to the first public events commemorating the newly founded Union of Soviet Socialist Republic.

It captures the essence of empire in its dying days, the fading splendour of monarchy, the social unrest and the mood of revolution which swept through the country. It also looks at the after-effects of revolution, including the great famine of 1921.

There are satirical sketches of Russia’s rulers, royalist and revolutionary propaganda, portraits of the royal family and pictures of ordinary people in the streets. There are also rare images of the leaders of the revolution.

This is a unique visual record and provides a fascinating insight into one of the defining events of the 20th century.

Introduction by: Andrew Roberts