1869-1954

The Life of a Russian Woman Doctor by Anna Bek (1869-1954) yields rich insights into the lives of a generation of Russian women who lived at a time of revolutionary change, extraordinary challenges, and unprecedented opportunities. Written in a lively and compelling style, Anna Bek’s memoir reveals not only the experiences but also the motives and values of women who sought education, independence, and self-sufficiency, the obstacles they encountered, and the influences of other women and men on their lives. This engrossing memoir also engages the special context of Siberian geography and history--the vast distances and isolation, the heterogeneous population of settlers, exiles, and convicts, the closeness and interdependence of families and communities, and the deep appreciation of nature. This book offers a rewarding excursion into Siberian social history and an intimate acquaintance with two exceptional individuals of great charm and courage--Anna Bek and her American editor, Anne D. Rassweiler.

Anne D. Rassweiler (1933-2002) was author of The Generation of Power: The Planning and Construction of Dneprostroi, 1927-1932.

Adele Lindenmeyr is Professor and Chair, Department of History, Villanova University, and author of Poverty Is Not a Vice: Charity, Society, and the State in Imperial Russia.