The Bolshevik Revolution remains one of the most important events of modern history. It reshaped the political, social, and economic structure of one of the world's great powers and had enormous international impact. This work brings together a rich, readable account that will help students to understand the event and its significance, as well as ready-reference materials for student research. Six topical essays, a timeline of events, 13 lengthy biographical profiles of key players, and the text of 32 key documents provide a wealth of information on this seminal event in world history. The essays are all based on the most recent historical scholarship. An overview of the Bolshevik Revolution puts the event into historical perspective. Topical essays consider the aspirations of the Russian people, the nature of the Revolution, the civil wars, the issue of ethnicity and nationality, and the legacy of the Bolshevik Revolution. Biographical profiles cover fully the lives and contributions of the key players in the Revolution. A wealth of documents, with explanatory introductions, provides an excellent source of primary materials. An annotated bibliography guides the reader to appropriate works for further research. This work is an excellent introduction to the Bolshevik Revolution for the student and interested reader.