The estate origins of democracy in Russia. From imperial bourgeoisie to post-communist middle class: by Tomila V. Lankina, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 2021, 469 pp., £ 29.99 (Hardback), ISBN 9781-31651267-8; $ 32.00 USD (Adobe eBook Reader), ISBN: 9781009080590; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009071017

"The Estate Origins of Democracy in Russia" by Tomila V. Lankina explores the Russian estate system and its impact on Russian society from the 19th century to the present day. The book highlights the persistence of inequality and regional differences in the development of democracy in Russia, influenced by the historical legacy of the estate system. Lankina also examines the emergence of the bourgeoisie and middle class in Russia, their survival during the Soviet era, and their role in shaping Russian society. The book challenges traditional approaches to social stratification and offers a fresh perspective on Russian history and development. [Extracted from the article]