The Red Reign: The True Story of an Adventurous Year in Russia

"The Red Reign: The True Story of an Adventurous Year in Russia" by Kellogg Durland, presents an early 20th-century portrayal of the Russian Revolution, seen through the eyes of an American journalist. The story depicts a crucial year marked by rebellion and growing violence. The author provides a firsthand view of Russia's social and political chaos, coupled with the struggles of Cossacks and revolutionaries. Starting with reflections on post-1905 unrest, known as the White Terror, the author creates a tense backdrop. He recounts his journey into Russia from Berlin, sharing warnings about the dangers. Arriving in St. Petersburg, he finds revolutionary drive mixed with a deceptive calm. Through stories and conversations with Russians, from soldiers to revolutionaries, the story paints a vivid picture of complex social tensions under the constant threat of government action.