A comprehensive reference guide, this volume examines the leading political, economic, cultural, military, scientific and sporting personalities of Russia and the Soviet Union from 1900 to 1996. The book presents a portrait of Russian and Soviet society through an analysis of figures such as Stalin, Brezhnev, Krushchev, Yeltsin, Ratushinskaya, Sakharov as well as a number of other lesser-known figures. The collapse of the Soviet Union and beyond is covered within the text. Features of the book include: detailed biographical information on each leading figure; bibliographical references with entries to aid further research; a comprehensive glossary of Russian terms, concepts and institutions and a chronology of events; and an accesible A-Z layout.