History professor publishes book on Soviet environmental history of the Arctic

History professor Andy Bruno has a new book out that sheds light on the experiences of Soviets with the Arctic environment.

During a reception celebrating its publication, Bruno will deliver a talk on the book, titled “The Nature of Soviet Power: An Arctic Environmental History” (Cambridge University Press).

The reception begins at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, in the Thurgood Marshall Gallery of Swen Parson Hall.

The book explores the nature of Soviet power by investigating the environmental history of the Kola Peninsula in the northwest corner of the U.S.S.R. in the 20th century.

Through investigation of railroad construction, reindeer herding, energy production, nickel and copper smelting and the mining and processing of phosphorus-rich apatite in the region, the book reveals Soviet cultural perceptions of nature, plans for development, lived experiences and modifications to the physical world.

While Soviet power remade nature, nature also remade Soviet power.

For more information, email abruno2@niu.edu.