Russian Language and Culture

This addition to the highly successful Contemporary Cultures series covers the period from period 1953, with the death of Stalin, to the present day. Both 'Russian' and 'Culture' are defined broadly. 'Russian' refers to the Soviet Union until 1991 and the Russian Federation after 1991. Given the diversity of the Federation in its ethnic composition and regional characteristics, questions of national, regional, and ethnic identity are given special attention. There is also coverage of Russian-speaking immigrant communities. 'Culture' embraces all aspects of culture and lifestyle, high and popular, artistic and material: art, fashion, literature, music, cooking, transport, politics and economics, film, crime - all, and much else, are covered, in order to give a full picture of the Russian way of life and experience throughout the extraordinary changes undergone since the middle of the twentieth century.

Features coverage of every Native American culture that exists today in the United States and Canada. In addition, there is full coverage of such diverse groups as Cajuns, African Americans, Amish, Mormons and Latinos.

The essential guide to understanding the history of the ethnic diversity of the former Soviet Union and the current ethnic issues of the region. * Four sections divided into chapters detail the historical development and present situation of the various national groups that inhabit the territory of the former Soviet Union * Seven maps illustrate the geographical movements and distribution of the ethnic and national groups found in the region

A reference guide to the world's largest country. Covering influential individuals, significant places, and important policies, it provides readers with a greater understanding of Russian history. A narrative history, chronology, and A-Z entries are included.