John Paxton 
Leaders of Russia and the Soviet Union Since 1613 [PDF ebook] 

This reference work surveys the leaders of Russia and the Soviet Union — from Michael, the first Romanov, to Vladimir Putin — twenty five essays in all of 2, 000 to 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.