Description
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. List of Illustrations Foreword Adele M. Lindenmeyr Chronology: The Life of Anna Nikolaevna Zhukova-Bek Introduction: A Journey to Siberia Anne D. Rassweiler 1. Growing Up in the Transbaikal 2. Student Life in St. Petersburg and France 3. New Beginnings: Nerchinsk Zavod, St. Petersburg, Aksha 4. Making a Career: Chita in War and Revolution 5. The Highs and Lows of Working Life: Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Tomsk Appendix: “Labor Education and the Montessori System”: Summary of a Lecture Anna Nikolaevna Bek Notes Bibliography and Suggestions for Further Reading Index
