This reference work surveys the leaders of Russia and the Soviet Union - from Michael, the first Romanov, to Vladimir Putin - 25 essays in all of 2,000-8,000 words in length, each contributed by an expert in the field. The treatment is chronological. Biographies focus on the life and work of each leader and assess his or her impact on Russia/the Soviet Union: the authors consider the historical reputation of the leader and include the latest assessments. The emphasis is on the leader as an individual rather than as simply a political animal or representative of a particular age. Six long analytical essays focus on the significance of: Peter the Great; Catherine the Great; Alexander II; Lenin; Stalin; and Gorbachev; and the book also includes detailed chronologies of the six most important periods in Russian history. Additional features include: an illustration of each leader; a bibliography for each leader; a general bibliography; genealogical tables; a detailed glossary terms; and a selection of annotated maps.