Despite many changes of name, the vast agglomeration of land and culture on Europe's eastern border is still most commonly called Russia. With a territory that stretches across two continents, and an influence far greater, this country's fascinating history has filled many books. The following page covers the imperial era; there are also lists for the modern era (1917+) and key Russian personalities.
1. Russia: A History edited by Gregory Freeze
A team of experts wrote this large general history and a new edition - due in less than a year - will update the content to include events from as recent as 2001. The result is a text that covers the entire existence of the Russian State, from its emergence in the fourteenth century through the imperial and communist eras into the confused present. This is an excellent starting point.
2. Russia in the Age of Peter the Great by Lindsey Hughes
Peter the Great transformed Russia and Lindsey Hughes' marvelous book explores every facet of a fascinating period. Part thematic history - different sections cover all the major areas of life - and part biography - Peters' life permeates almost every chapter and there is specific information on him - the text is well researched, fun to read and highly illuminating.3. The Longman Companion to Imperial Russia 1689-1917 by David Longley
Sometimes you don't want to plow through a massive tome to find one detail; this is the answer. Drawing together a vast number of facts and figures on Imperial Russia, and bolstered by character sketches (as well as plenty of other information) this reference book will prove a worthwhile investment for anyone with a long-term interest in Russian history (or several essays!)4. Endurance and Endeavour 1812 - 2001by J.N. Westwood
Russian history can be approached from many angles and Westwood chooses the topic of change and transformation, the consequences of which have ranged from subtle differences to world-altering convulsions. You should certainly aim for the wholly revised fourth edition, which updates the material and adds a chapter on the declining Soviet Union; prepare for a skilled analysis.5. The Modernisation of Russia 1676-1825 by Simon Dixon
This book is cheaper and smaller than pick 4, but it covers a similar theme, albeit for a far shorter period: the effects of modernisation during the 'long' eighteenth century. Divided by a range of thematic chapters, the material has been written for higher-level readers and deals with complicated interactions, suggesting that attempts at 'development' prompted an opposite, and negative, reaction.6. The Russian Empire by A. Kappeler
Covering Russia from the sixteenth century to the present day, Kappeler's book focuses on the multi-ethnic nature of the country, discussing how new territories were incorporated, different peoples merged together and how national identities remained intact.7. The Russians by Robin Milner-Gulland
This book examines the culture, folklore and viewpoints underlying the concept of being Russian, an identity that has developed over a thousand years. The material is deeply rooted in historical thought, incorporating social, political and economic history, but expanding into the more abstract realms of ethnic identity, group experience and national pride.8. The Russian Peasantry 1600-1930 by David Moon
Critics have been quick to acclaim this as the 'definitive' account of the Russian Peasantry, and it's certainly impressive. Every aspect of peasant life is examined, including their place in the various economic systems, their social structure and the changes wrought on their life by tsars and dictators.9. The Formation of Muscovy 1300 - 1613 by R O Crummey
To use a phrase from Hollywood, if you want to know how it all started, get this book. Crummey examines the entity of Muscovy, an small geographic and political unit that initially evolved into Russia before growing to dominate two continents and then the entire world.10. The End of Imperial Russia, 1855-1917 by Peter Waldron
'The End of Imperial Russia' presents a distinctly long-term analysis on a subject which, although hugely important, is often found only in the introductions to texts on 1917: what happened to the Russian Imperial system that caused it to be swept away? Waldron handles these broader themes with ease and the book makes a helpful addition to any study on Imperial or Soviet Russia.