A vigorous and popular survey of the whole sweep of Russian history to explain Russia, and the Russians, of today. Within a broad chronological framework, this textbook concentrates on a number of key themes that are central to that understanding, including the late imperial and Soviet periods, the end of the USSR, and the travails of post-Soviet Russia.

This text has established itself as the best general introduction to Russian history, providing a forceful and highly readable survey from earliest times to the post-Soviet State. At the heart of the book is the changing relationship between the State and Russian society at large. The second edition has been substantially rewritten and updated and new material and fresh insights from recently accessible research have been incorporated into every chapter.