Ransome in Russia- Arthurs Adventures in Eastern Europe
by Alexander, Ted and Tatiana_Verizhnikova
pub by Portchester Publishing, 7 Camelot Cresent, Portchester, Fareham, Hamshire PO16 8ER, UK -       - isbn 0-9545554-0-6 - - 196 pages.

This book is a biography of Arthur Ransome, who wrote Swallows and Amazons.
The first part of this book gives more detail, not previously seen, about Ransoms early life and some detail about his first wife Ivy that was first seen here.
The writers visited Russia and other locations in Eastern Europe where Ransome visited and actually located buildings which Ransome visited and lived.
It also makes more sense with Ransoms travel back to England from Russia and what went on when he was back in England, and details the routes across the lines of conflict.
It was only possible to research and write after the Soviet Union opened and Russia became more open to visitation.
Note that many place names have changed during and after wars. The authors help to understand which name in Ransomes biography refer to what modern town.
There are many photos of places visited, which makes other narratives come alive.
This is a very useful book for anyone who wants to understand the life of Arthur Ransome before he began writing the Swallows and Amazons series.
~2020-06-28 ~

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