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A History of Russia by Nicholas V. Riasanovsky
A History of Russia is a widely acclaimed, comprehensive survey of Russian history from ancient times to the post-communist era, authored by Nicholas V. Riasanovsky (1923–2011) and, in later editions, co-authored with Mark D. Steinberg. It is designed as a one-volume introduction to Russian history, suitable for students and general readers, and is published by Oxford University Press Oxford University Press+1.
Scope and Approach
The book covers the entire span of Russian history—from the early medieval period through the Soviet era and into the modern, post-Soviet state—examining political, military, economic, social, and cultural developments. It maintains a commitment to objectivity, fairness, and balance, while incorporating recent research and scholarly debates Oxford University Press+1.
Editions and Updates
Tenth Edition (2025): The most recent version, with extensive revisions across all chapters, updated coverage of the Putin era and developments in Ukraine and Russia’s “near abroad”, and a reorganized Soviet period for greater clarity. It also adds more voices from the past, expanded coverage of empire, nationalism, and the challenges of a multinational state, and updated maps and illustrations Oxford University Press.
Ninth Edition (2018): Streamlined organization, new chapter titles reflecting updated scholarship, and expanded attention to ordinary people’s experiences, imperial expansion, and diversity. Includes new photos and a map on shifting Ukrainian borders Oxford University Press.
Earlier editions (e.g., 8th edition, 2010) introduced new chapters on politics, society, and culture since 1991, exploring Russia’s post-communist challenges and prospects Amazon.
Key Features
Narrative synthesis: Weaves a continuous story of Russian history with introductions to historiographical debates.
Thematic depth: Explores political ideas, empire and nation, economy and society, class and gender, literature, arts, religion, and Russia’s role in the world Oxford University Press.
Pedagogical tools: Updated bibliographies, new sections on online primary sources, and reorganized research guides Oxford University Press.
Accessibility: Available in print and digital formats, including e-book subscriptions with Bookshelf Online access Oxford University Press+1.
Availability
Print: Available through major booksellers (e.g., Amazon) and university bookstores.
E-book: Oxford University Press offers digital editions with 4-year access; single-user, non-transferable license Oxford University Press+1.
Archive.org: Older print editions (e.g., 1993, 2011) are available for free download and reading online Archive+1.
Why It’s Valued
T
he book is praised as the best one-volume history of Russia for its breadth, balance, and integration of recent scholarship. It is used in university courses and by readers seeking a clear, authoritative overview of Russia’s complex past Amazon.
If you want the most current and comprehensive version, the Tenth Edition (2025) is recommended, as it reflects the latest developments in Russian and Ukrainian history and scholarship.
Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press
