The Destruction of Nikolaevsk-on-Amur

"The Destruction of Nikolaevsk-on-Amur: An Episode in the Russian Civil War in the Far East, 1920" by Anatoly Ya. Gutman is a historical account of a pivotal event during the Russian Civil War. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Historical Context: The book provides a detailed historical context of the Russian Civil War in the Far East, specifically focusing on the events surrounding Nikolaevsk-on-Amur.
2. Military Conflict: It delves into the military operations and strategies employed by both sides, including the role of guerrilla fighters and partisan groups.
3. Humanitarian Crisis: The book highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, including the massacre of Japanese civilians and soldiers, as well as the destruction of the town.
4. Leadership and Tactics: The leadership of Yakov Tryapitsyn and the tactics used by his partisan group are central to the narrative, including their brutal methods and strategic decisions.

Plot Summary

The book chronicles the events leading up to and including the destruction of Nikolaevsk-on-Amur in May 1920. Here is a brief summary:

• Initial Conflict: The town was surrounded by Bolshevik-aligned partisans, including Russians, Chinese, and Koreans, led by Yakov Tryapitsyn.
• Massacre and Destruction: The partisans demanded the surrender of the outnumbered Japanese forces, but instead, the Japanese launched a surprise attack in March 1920, which was unsuccessful. By late May, the town was under siege, and the inhabitants were slaughtered. The town was then burnt to the ground, with almost 97% of residential buildings destroyed.
• Aftermath: The partisans, loaded with looted goods including gold and jewels, fled up the Amgun River to the mining settlement of Kerby, setting fire to villages, mines, and dredges along the way.

Critical Reception

While there is limited specific critical reception available for this particular translation or edition, the book has been recognized for its historical significance and detailed account of a lesser-known episode in the Russian Civil War.

• Historical Significance: The book is noted for its thorough documentation of a significant event in the Russian Civil War, providing valuable insights into the conflict's impact on civilians and the military strategies employed by both sides.
• Translation and Editing: The translation by Ella Lury Wiswell and editing by Richard A. Pierce have been praised for their accuracy and clarity, making the historical events more accessible to a broader audience.

Overall, "The Destruction of Nikolaevsk-on-Amur" offers a poignant and detailed account of a tragic episode in the Russian Civil War, shedding light on the human cost and strategic complexities of the conflict.