Description

Russia is a country of contradictions: a nation of cultural refinement and artistic originality and yet also a country that rules by ‘the iron fist’. In this riveting history, Martin Sixsmith shows how Russia’s complex identity has been formed over a thousand years, and how it can help us understand its often baffling behaviour at home and abroad.

Combining in-depth research and interviews with his personal experiences as a former BBC Moscow correspondent, Sixsmith skilfully traces the conundrums of modern Russia to their roots in its troubled past, and explains the nation’s seemingly split personality as the result of influences that have divided it for centuries.

A Sunday Times bestseller, Russia is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complex political landscape of this country, and its unique place in the modern world.

Publisher Review

"Russia" delivers a thoroughly satisfying history...a lively opinionated narrative. * Publishers Weekly * Russia, a 1,000 Year Chronicle of the Wild East contains many of the required ingredients to become the leading popular history of Russia. Colloquial, personal and anecdotal in style ... well researched and factually sound. * TLS * A lively chronicle -- Orlando Figes * Sunday Times * Sixsmith has the knack of delivering complex material with a clear voice * The Times *