I would recommend this book to all those who look for non-trivial approaches to understanding the modern world.

Lev Gudkov, Yuri Levada Analytical Center

....... striking stories about how ordinary Russians survived the disasters of the 1990s.

Pete Glatter, University of Wolverhampton

Marked by a sharp eye for detail and intelligent observation...Lovell has a firm grasp of detail and understands the dynamics of Russian development.

Richard Sakwa, University of Kent

Usually Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union is the purview of political scientists, but in this short, smart book Stephen Lovell gives us a history of the catastrophes and resurgences that Russians have experienced since 1989. His account is lively and informed and offers both students and specialists facts and insights that will guide them through the vicissitudes of post-socialism.

Ronald Grigor Suny, University of Michigan

A short but acute study of the changes that have swept over the world's largest country since 1989, and perhaps the best starting point to read about it that is now available in English.

Stephen White, University of Glasgow