Restless Empire A historical atlas of Russia

In 1994, a school board in a Connecticut town removed the study of Russia from the school curriculum because "It no longer mattered." With the recent souring of relations between Putin and the West and Russian incursions into Crimea and Ukraine, it would seem that Russia really does still matter. Thus, it is not trite to say that this historical atlas is timely, showing precisely the factors, patterns, and geography that led to present-day tensions with Russia. The book is richly illustrated and well written and, as with all great atlases, can be described as beautiful. Its strengths are the quality, number, breadth, and detail of the maps. Though it covers all historical eras, the book is particularly strong in its coverage of recent (postwar) Russian history. If there are any weaknesses, it would be in the coverage of Siberian history and the eastern expansion of the Russian Empire. From a geographer's perspective, maps of the remarkable geographic expeditions of many Russian explorers, such as Pyotr Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky, Vitus Bering, and the like, would appear de rigueur. Notwithstanding these omissions, this will be a mandatory book for Russian history and geography collections. The atlas notes the untimely death of author Barnes during publication (d. 2014); what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. --Richard W. Benfield, Central Connecticut State University