Orlando Figes, the noted Russian historian, has confessed to writing anonymous reviews on Amazon.com that praised his own work and criticised that of his fellow historians. Rachel Polonsky's book "Magic Lantern" was described as "hard to follow" and Robert Service's "Comrades" was considered "awful". Figes' "The Whisperers" was considered "a fascinating book...(that) leaves the reader humbled, awed and uplifted." Initially Figes denied making the comments, threatening to take legal action, and then suggestions were made that his wife had written them. Figes has now taken full responsibility for his "foolish errors" but it would seem that the reputation of this distinguished historian is now in tatters. Further comment about Figes' significance can be found here from Robert Service and other historians and here from our friends at Politics Etc.
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