This is a very interesting and (overall) well written textbook which I used in Russian history. It should be noted that the book is written by four separate individuals, each of whom has a very different writing style. The early chapters (from Riyurik to the beginning of Muscovy) can be difficult to understand (upon meeting their author, I understand completely), but the book hits its stride with "Part II" and the advent of Lindsey Hughes's much clearer writing. Stites and Evtuhov are also easy to understand, but Goldfrank requires a rereading (or two) before you realize what he's saying.