Explore the symbolic heart and soul of Russia--Moscow, one of the world's great cities, and her sister city, St. Petersburg, the host of Russia's golden age and cradle of revolution--through this authoritative text, which captures the mood and magic of these famous destinations. Moscow's once somber streets now buzz 24 hours a day with purposeful activity. St. Petersburg's baroque and classical architecture and her canals, an inspiration for musicians, artists, and writers such as Rimsky-Korsakov, Pushkin, and Dostoevsky, charm visitors to this day. This guidebook's wealth of information on these two cities and the regions surrounding them will evoke the timeless qualities of Russia's centers of power.
- Covers the Golden Ring of ancient Russian towns surrounding Moscow, including Yaroslavl, ' Vladimir, and Suzdal
- Special essays on the Russian Circus, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Catherine the Great, and the Siege of Leningrad
- Literary excerpts from writers such as Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Dumas
- 129 color photos, 19 maps & plans.