Completely current in content and comprehensive in scope, the Encyclopedia of Russian History: From the Christianization of Kiev to the Break-Up of the U.S.S.R. provides students, researchers, historians, and other Russian history enthusiasts with an unmatched reference source. Covering Russian history from the ninth century to the present, this one-volume compendium gives users instant access to the people, events, trends, movements, and institutions that have shaped the political and cultural landscape of this expansive and diverse area. The alphabetically arranged entries lead readers to subjects as diverse as art, law, philosophy, and religion. The text defines various terms; explores the lives of influential artists, politicians, propagandists, writers, and royal figures; and provides vital information on Russia's past and current geographical boundaries. Features of the book include more than 2,500 encyclopedia entries that are cross-referenced and, where appropriate, include suggestions for further reading; a quick-reference chronology that tracks the important events in Russian history up to the time the volume went to press; a map reference section that features major cities, states, principalities, and historically significant neighboring dominions. Encyclopedia of Russian History goes beyond the exploration of well-publicized incidents in Russian history to examine little-known but significant events integral to the course of the country's development. Students and researchers of Russian history or anyone looking for dependable, up-to-date information will find this encyclopedia an invaluable reference tool.