This volume is a short history of Russia. It focuses on the political developments and personalities of the country. Basic factors considered are shapers of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, doctrines, and social groups - peasants, intellectuals, and ethnic minorities. Attention is paid to foreign-policy landmarks. This is a clearly written survey and study of history for general readers.
Sidney Ploss is a Russia scholar and historian. He holds a BA from Syracuse University and a PhD from London University. He taught at the University of Pennsylvania.