JOHN PAXTON was the editor of The Statesman's Year-Book from 1969 until 1990 and has written books on European affairs, including A Dictionary of the European Communities, Encyclopaedia of Russian History, European Political Facts, 1900-1996 (with Chris Cook), and Companion to the French Revolution.

• List of Maps Preface Introduction: Imperial Russia Tsars and Important Advisers and Ministers (1533-1919) Problems of Dynastic Succession (1533-1917) Political Chronologies The Influence of the West Political and Administrative Changes in Imperial Russia Religion Serfdom in Imperial Russia Social and Economic Progress Rise of Radicalism International Relations and the Expansion of Russia Overseas Education and the Arts Law, Crime and Punishment Biographies Glossary Bibliography Maps and Genealogical Table Index