For all of you that have been fascinated with Russian history and literature, this book helps understand that beautiful and relentless spirit of russian people. Though it's a concise history, the book contains detailed descriptions of figures such as Peter the Great, Ivan the Great, Ivan the Terrible and Stalin. From the dawn of Russian civilization, in what it's now Ukraine, to the collapse of the U.S.S.R, the book will help you understand the mysery, triumphs, and character of what some many have referred to as the giant with feet of clay (Russia).