Each volume in the Longman Companions to History series, under the General Editorship of Chris Cook and John Stevenson, provides a handy reference work to a major area of historical study, and is written by a leading scholar in the field. ___________________________________________________________________________ This new Companion will be greatly welcomed by all those studying and teaching Russian history and politics, and indeed by all those with an interest in Russian affairs (from those in the business community to government officials). The book covers the period from 1914 to the modern day and, as such, covers the twilight years of Tsarist Russia, communist Russia and new Russia. Not only is a vast amount of material brought together in an accessible, reader-friendly form but much of the material is published for the first time. It includes: · A detailed Political Chronology which charts the momentous events of Russian history from the beginning of 1914 through to April 1997. · Short essays defining and analysing key topics relating to Economy, Society, Religion and Culture. Subjects covered range from agriculture, health, the press, and the planned economy, to the Russian Orthodox Church, socialist realism, and war communism. · A guide to the Russian Nationalities and Territories.

For each one the author has provided the historical background and the key facts and figures. · A substantial section devoted to Politics. In this rich section the reader will find everything from extended definitions of political terms (for example Leninism, Komosol, Orgburo, Rada, Permanent Revolution and Trotskyism) to detailed accounts of the attempted coup of 1991 and the nine Russian Congresses of People¿s Deputies between 1990 and 1993. · Detailed information on Foreign Affairs and Security. The section includes entries on all the wars Russia has been involved in, and the conferences, summits, and treaties it has participated in. · An invaluable list of all the major Office Holders; and over eighty concise Biographies of the main personalities. · And, finally, Statistics; an extensive, thematically-arranged, Bibliography; and seven Maps. The book is a formidable achievement.

Bang up-to-date it provides information on every conceivable aspect of Russian history and politics. It will be an invaluable resource for all those interested in, or fascinated by, Russia.