This book explores the multicultural world of historical Russia through the life stories of 31 individuals that exemplify the cross-cultural exchanges in the co

“A fresh and lively approach to understanding how the various Russian empires have worked.” —Slavic Review A fundamental dimension of the Russian historic

A fundamental dimension of the Russian historical experience has been the diversity of its people and cultures, religions and languages, landscapes and economie

Focusing on the Tsarist and Soviet empires of Russia, Lieven reveals the nature and meaning of all empires throughout history. He examines factors that mold the

Discusses the sixteenth century roots of the lack of a unified Russian identity, the division between the gentry and the peasantry, and the widening gap in the