A History of Russia

Russia is the largest country on the planet, a multi-ethnic empire, a great power of global significance. For much of its history it has been a 'peasant state', in which peasant society and values interacted critically with those of the ruling elites. In modern times its society has produced artists, writers, musicians, scientists and cosmonauts who have made a unique contribution to world culture. In the twentieth century, Russia has been the scene of the world's greatest social experiment - the most powerful challenge ever mounted to hegemonic Western values.