Very disappointing work
Not updated to reflect current changes affected well before the book's publication
Just a re-print of an old book

Looking for a concise, accurate, intelligent, and detailed history of Russia? Look no farther. This is it. Viewed from the retrospective glance of history, Russia is a different country with a long tradition of lies, torture, economic disasters, and bizarre events (like the horse induced death of Catherine the Great). The crowning achievement of the good old USA was the defeat of the evil empire that was the USSR. Putin succeeded Yeltsin as President. Neither leader has been a model of enlightened libralism. But signs have emerged that Russians may yet generate the energy and the talent to build a better history in the Third Millennium than they contrived in the Second.

The book was purchased for a class. The paper is good quality and many photographs, but I feel not enough content for study of this subject.

To a fan of western history such as myself, I am was unfamiliar with the grand and rich history of Russia. When my child took a course in Russian History, my interest was aroused, and I bought this book. It was a delight to read, typical of most Thames and Hudson books. Profusely illustrated, it was just enough of the broad strokes for an introduction without condescending.

An excellent starting point.