John M Thompson 
Russia And The Soviet Union [PDF ebook] 
An Historical Introduction–second Edition

This book is a brief, lucid account of Russian and Soviet history from ancient Kievan Rus‘ to the present day. Equal attention is paid to the early and the modern periods of Russian history. The author has revised this new edition to include the dramatic changes in the Soviet Union and its foreign policy during Gorbachev’s first five years in office. The text is supplemented with maps and illustrations and includes bibliographies at the end of each chapter. Designed for use by students in either a one- or two-semester introductory course in Russian history, Russia and the Soviet Union will also be valuable to any reader seeking to become acquainted with the story of the Russian people-their tribulations and courage, tragedies and triumphs, and their remarkable contribution to world culture.