-This engagingly written short history of Russia provides readers with an understanding of Russia's long and complex history through the events of 1998. From its beginnings, through the centuries-long reign of the tsars, the Communist revolution, the years under Stalin, the ascent of Gorbachev and the collapse of Communism, and the economic morass in which Russia finds itself today, this account will help the reader to put the tumultuous history that is Russia into perspective. Ziegler, an expert on Russia, discusses not only the political and economic aspects of each period but its social and cultural milieu as well. While the purpose and effort to compact a lot of material, the book attempts too much in too little space. However, it has the great virtue of covering events into 1999 which is a good way for the layperson to catch up to Russia near the beginning of the new millennium. Ziegler is obviously a political scientist rather than a historian, for his work strongly emphasizes policy, in abbreviated form, at the expense of other aspects of Russian history. The treatment of social history and culture is badly scanted and, on occasion, inaccurate. There are also errors of fact in the political history. Terms are often introduced without adequate explanation or background. Ideas can be introduced or reintroduced without consideration of chronology or chapter themes just to make a point and key points are reiterated multiple times to their detriment. Admirable for its attempt to present a vast nation with diverse people in 200 pages and a great starter for people interested in learning about Russia. For me, tedious and repetitive at times but gave me some ideas on directions I would like to read more about. ( )