A History of Russia, by Nicholas Riasanovsky

This single volume digestible sweeping history of Russia is now in its 8^th edition. I recently finished the 4^th edition which ends in the early 1980’s before the “wall” came down and before Soviet influence over a significant portion of Asia and eastern Europe waned. This is not just a chronological view of historical events. The author weaves politics, life-style, arts, as well as religion, war, intrigue and individual personalities into a nice narrative. I knew little of Russia prior to reading this book. I know a little bit more now. I suppose it helps having this overview if one were to read a Tolstoy novel (e.g. War and Peace – which I have read) or, perhaps, some Dostoevsky whose stories have more meaning if one is familiar with the social customs and manner of living of 19^th century Russians (his, too, I have read, though faultingly, especially the Brothers Karamazov which is a beast of a novel and one I truly felt I didn’t understand). Riasanovsky does a great job with the history – I highly recommend the effort if you are interested in a broad view of Russia, past and present.