New Books Network Felix Cowan, "The Kopeck Press: Popular Journalism in Revolutionary Russia, 1908-1918" (U Toronto Press, 2025)
Jun 30, 2025
Felix Cowan, an expert in Russian history, delves into his book on the Kopeck Press, a network of sensational tabloids that fueled public discourse during Revolutionary Russia. He discusses how these affordable newspapers engaged lower-class audiences and shaped political culture. The conversation covers themes like strategic sensationalism, gender dynamics, and the pressures of fierce competition among publications. Cowan also reflects on the enduring influence of these media strategies on contemporary journalism and the lessons learned from this vibrant historical context.
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Kopeck Newspapers Defined
- Kopeck newspapers were cheap, four-page tabloids sold for a single kopeck.
- They sensationalized diverse content targeting poor, less-educated readers across the Russian Empire.
Felix's Archival Experience
- Felix Cowan spent nine months in St. Petersburg handling original Kopeck newspapers.
- Holding the newspapers offered a vivid feeling of what readers experienced historically.
Broad Readership & Political Impact
- Kopeck papers targeted millions across diverse classes beyond just poor urban workers.
- They fostered political discourse, exposing poorer Russians to progressive ideas and public debate.