Includes bibliographical references (p. 364-365) and index.
Contents
The riddle of Russia -- A boundless land -- History: Decisive dates -- Beginnings -- The Mongol yoke -- The first of the tsars -- Windows on the west -- Five emperors -- The rise and fall of the Soviet empire -- Features : Life today -- Women of Russia -- Russia's mafia -- Food -- The religious revival -- Art and inspiration -- Literature -- The music makers -- Places: Moscow -- The golden ring -- St. Petersburg -- The European north -- The southwest -- Along the Volga -- The Urals -- The European south -- Siberia and the far east -- Belarus and Ukraine -- Travel tips : Getting acquainted -- Planning the trip -- Practical tips -- Getting around -- Where to stay -- Where to eat -- Nightlife -- Shopping -- Language -- Further reading -- Insight on : Trans-Siberian railway -- Moscow metro -- Highlights of the Hermitage -- Lake Baikal -- Crimea -- Information panels : Freedom of speech -- Russian cinema.