This translation makes available to English readers the only comprehensive and thorough history of Russian culture in any language. Endowed with scholarly authority, it traces in broad outline the long rich story of the development of religion, literature, and the arts from their earliest manifestations to modern times.

The contrast of Christianity in Russia with the Western Church, the retarded development and then suddenly blooming of literature in the 19th century, the individuality of Russian genius in architecture, painting, and music are described and evaluated, the whole forming a penetrating insight into Russian backgrounds and character.

For the convenience of those only interested in separate sections, the book is issued in three parts as standalone volumes:

Part I: Religion and the Church

Part II: Literature

Part III: Architecture, Painting and Music

Translated by: Valentine Ughet, Eleanor Davis