First published in 1915, as the third edition of a 1903 original, this book forms part of the Cambridge Historical Series. The text provides a comprehensive account of Russian development during the nineteenth century, beginning with a discussion of Russia in 1815 and moving through to the beginning of the reign of Nicholas II. The general view put forward is that 'Given a people with a colonising instinct and schooled by their environment to endure and conquer; given an absolute power with its roots set deeply in vital religion; and modern Russia is the inevitable result.' A detailed bibliography is also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in historiography and perspectives on Russian history.