The Volga

With clarity and commanding breadth of vision, Hartley chronicles the life of a great river through times of shocking violence and times of tranquillity. -Rachel Polonsky, author of Molotov's Magic Lantern Taking a majestic sweep through centuries of turbulent history, Hartley traces in vivid detail the significance of a river that has served Russia's multi-ethnic population as economic lifeline, strategic battleground and symbol of freedom. -Simon Dixon, author of Catherine the Great An impeccably documented and comprehensive history of the Volga region. It pays special attention to the ecological features of the region's territories, and to the economic, ethnic, religious and cultural characteristics of its peoples. -Geoffrey Hosking, Russia and the Russians Engrossing. In lively prose Hartley tracks the not-always-easy imprint of Russian power on the peoples and environments of this vast river as it snakes through parts of the world little known to an English-speaking audience. -Valerie A. Kivelson, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor