A History of Russia: Peoples, Legends, Events, Forces is a comprehensive narrative conceived and developed after the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Informed by the burgeoning historiography of the 1990s, the text balances political and economic explorations of everyday life, social roles, cultural dynamics, and gender issues.</p>

Socio-political changes in Russia have changed the way Russian history is taught, and most texts currently available are written from a pre-Confederation point of view that may be unsuitable for today's classroom. This text provides strong coverage of 20th-century Russia and the U.S.S.R. without sacrificing its coverage of earlier historical periods.</p>

This text provides comprehensive coverage of gender, ethnicity, and nationality issues.

The text includes an in-depth exploration of frontiers, civil-military relations, and the social history of the military and military doctrine.

The volume includes coverage of high culture, urban and frontier life, folk culture, and religious culture, especially Russian Orthodox and Islam.

There is consistent inclusion of the various ethnic groups which formed the Russian Empire and Soviet Union.

Modern, easy-to-read maps are placed within larger geographical contexts to enhance reader comprehension.