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 brand 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 Imperial Russia. The book covers the period from the accession of Peter the Great to the fall of Nicholas II and includes detail on topics as diverse as central government, foreign policy, music, art and literature, the revolutionary movement, religion and the Church, education, the peasantry and the different nationalities of the Russian Empire. Not only is a vast amount of material brought together in an accessible, reader-friendly form but the author also includes an abundance of fascinating background material to convey the sense of the period. This is the first book of its kind to cover the major concerns of Russian history from 1689 to 1917. It includes:? Over 300 short Biographies covering the leading figures of the period ? A Glossary of common Russian terms, a guide to the Russian alphabet and the pronunciation of Russian words and names which all help to make the subject more accessible? 'The Table of Ranks' and lists of the viceroys and governors-general of the Caucasus and Finland, Ministers of the Interior, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Education, Agriculture, Transport, and Chairmen of the Committee of Ministers and of the Council of Members? A list of the modern equivalents of historical place-names ? Summaries of the major treaties signed by Russia along with a detailed Chronology of the main events in Russian foreign policy during the period? An exceptionally detailed Guide to Further ReadingThe book is a formidable achievement and reflects a lifetime spent by the author teaching and researching this period of Russian history. It will be an invaluable resource on Imperial Russia and readers will find it a pleasure to read, consult, and browse through.DAVID LONGLEY is an independent scholar, translator and writer.Cover: Visit us on the world wide web site at http: //www.awl-he.comLongman