This is an extremely timely book, it is the first history of Russia which does the imperial theme full justice.' Geoffrey Hosking, The Slavonic Review This is the first attempt in any language to centre the whole of Russian history from the 16th century to the present day on the relations between the empire's ethnic groups...timely as well as innovative' David Saunders, English Historical Review Greeted with critical acclaim in the original German, this major survey of Russia as a multi ethnic empire spans the imperial years from the sixteenth century to 1917, with a serious consideration of the Soviet phase. It asks how Russians incorporated new territories, how they were resisted, what the character of a multi ethnic empire was and how, finally, these issues related to nationalism. With modern Russia at the forefront of contemporary world affairs, our need to understand its colonial and national past and its implications for the present has never been greater. Breaking completely new ground, The Russian Empire is essential reading. Andreas Kappeler is Professor of East European History, University of Vienna. The translator of this edition is Alfred Clayton.