Soviet Metro Stations
Product ID: 160666789
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From the author of Soviet Bus Stops , an underground trip through the Soviet Metro “For us,” said Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in his memoirs, “there was something supernatural about the Metro.” Visiting any of the dozen or so Metro networks built across the Soviet Union between the 1930s and 1980s, it is easy to see why. Rather than the straightforward systems of London, Paris or New York, these subways were used as a propaganda artwork―a fusion of sculpture, architecture and art that combined Byzantine, medieval, baroque and constructivist ideas and infused them with the notion that communism would mean a “communal luxury” for all. Today these astonishing spaces remain the closest realization of a Soviet utopia. Following his bestselling quest for Soviet Bus Stops , Canadian photographer Christopher Herwig has completed a subterranean expedition photographing the stations of each Metro network of Russia and the former Eastern Bloc countries. From extreme marble and chandelier opulence to brutal futuristic minimalist glory, Soviet Metro Stations documents this wealth of diverse architecture. Along the way Herwig captures the elements that make up this singular Soviet experience: neon, concrete, escalators, signage, mosaics and relief sculptures all combine to build a vivid map of the Soviet Metro. Soviet Metro Stations includes an introduction by the leading architectural and political writer Owen Hatherley, author of the acclaimed books Landscapes of Communism (2015), Trans-Europe Express (2018) and The Adventures of Owen Hatherley in the Post-Soviet Space . Review: Great photo book - Great photos. Review: A unique present! - This is a brilliant book, giving a great range of images across the complete Soviet Metro system. The photographer Christopher Herwig travelled to 15 different Metro systems of the former USSR (there are some amazing eastern ones, like Tashkent and Baku). He manages to capture the lavish pomp (Moscow) and the stark utilitarianism (Nizhny Novgorod) occasionally surfacing for a dramatic architectural exterior. There are also lovely details such as the individual letterforms of station names, light fixtures, sculptures, etc. An extensive introduction by Owen Hatherley details the history of the Soviet Metro, making this a comprehensive overview. I was given my copy by a friend and have since bought two more copies here. It makes a unique present!
| Best Sellers Rank | #286,659 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #15 in Mass Transit (Books) #414 in Architectural Buildings #466 in Russian History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 288 Reviews |
O**E
Great photo book
Great photos.
T**L
A unique present!
This is a brilliant book, giving a great range of images across the complete Soviet Metro system. The photographer Christopher Herwig travelled to 15 different Metro systems of the former USSR (there are some amazing eastern ones, like Tashkent and Baku). He manages to capture the lavish pomp (Moscow) and the stark utilitarianism (Nizhny Novgorod) occasionally surfacing for a dramatic architectural exterior. There are also lovely details such as the individual letterforms of station names, light fixtures, sculptures, etc. An extensive introduction by Owen Hatherley details the history of the Soviet Metro, making this a comprehensive overview. I was given my copy by a friend and have since bought two more copies here. It makes a unique present!
S**Y
A certain kind of grey pleasure.
There is something enjoyably, compellingly circular and gloomy in Fuel's books on soviet subject matter: the contrast between relentlessly fraudulent official tales and actual lived realities; the building programmes that strain to prove that lies are truth; the attempts at amelioration and humanisation by the individual architects and designers involved; and not least the design of the books themselves. It's as if a certain kind of grey pleasure was being sought through book design, that could only be found in this kind of content. They are like bids to be official guides to a dimension of the mind devoted to summoning strange and useless ghosts. This particular one additionally provides an insight into the interesting history of the soviet metro's ideological inception and fatal collateral negligence. "Sinister glamour" (to quote the author) indeed.
A**R
A great collection showcasing the world's most iconic metro stations
It's fair to say the Soviet Union was not exactly a champion when it came to architectural splendor and renown. There's a reason the former Eastern Bloc was primarily described using the color "grey". The one exception was the Metro Stations of the former USSR. Scattered throughout 14 of the 15 Soviet Republics, even today they are wonders of architectural vision, design and art. This excellent collection showcases that perfectly, with most Metros getting a few pages that showcase their extraordinary diversity and ingenuity. If you're a fan of anything related to Soviet design, this is a must have!
O**R
Fun coffee-table book.
Cool little book. I'd have liked a bit of text about each picture or a map of the locations or something but I haven't found yet. Maybe it's in there. Got 3 of these. Good stuff.
G**S
FASCINATING BOOK...
Book is a great visual experience. Really wish that I could read Russian just to get the full flavor of the photos and narration. While this might be considered a (small) "coffee table" book it really draws you in, I am already googling facts I read about the various metro stations. Regarding teh book itself, it seems of very good quality, well made and although physically small captures the subject matter and makes me wish I had done more sight seeing when I was in Russia.
D**N
Soviet Metro history is actually really cool - this book convinced me!
I quite enjoyed this book. Out of all the books in the series this has by far the most extensive introductory essays, totaling about 30 pages. The introduction provides the background, artistic motivations, and history to how the Soviet Metros were established in Moscow, St Petersburg, Kyiv, Tashkent, Baku, Yerevan, Kharkiv, Minsk, and several others. The photos are beautiful, the context is brief yet fascinating. I highly recommend this.
B**E
You need this book!
I’m a closet architecture lover. This book is incredible! The photos truly feed my soul and make me want to visit the locations in person. I also bought the bus stop books as well. I would love to find similar books to add to my collections. Worth the cost, you won’t regret it!
R**O
Livro lindo, meu pai adorou.
Comprei de presente para o meu pai que adorou o livro. Apesar do tamanho um pouco menor do que eu gostaria para um libro de fotos, a qualidade das imagens, encadernação e capas é muito boa. O livro apresenta fotos e informações sobre estacões de metrô na Russia e um pouco da história.
L**9
Libro fotografico molto interessante
Un ottimo esempio di architettura nelle ex repubbliche sovietiche. Un viaggio alla scoperta delle metropolitane ( e non solo di quella moscovita ), un libro fotografico pensato per chi magari si è avvicinato a questa forma d'arte spinto dalla letteratura o dai videogiochi della serie di Metro 2033 oppure per chi è semplicemente interessato all'architettura sovietica.
A**ー
Nice book
Nice book.
P**A
NUNCA LLEGO EL LIBRO
NUNCA ME LLEGO EL PAQUETE
F**O
Great photo book
This book is an amazing photo book covering the most important Metro systems in cities of the old USSR. It is accompanied by several essays on each of the cities and the construction, architectural style and highlights of its Metro system. The photos are beautifully shot and will surely transport you there. If you love the aesthetic of old metro stations, or soviet architecture, this book is perfect for you.
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