This is a decent summary of Russian history from the beginning of the formal Russian empire to the end of the Gorbachev era. As with most survey works, this history doesn't delve very deep into any single topic. Thankfully, though, this history isn't limited to just the lives and actions of the ruling groups and elite classes.The instructor, Professor Mark Steinberg, provides supplementary cultural context by examining the lives, problems, thoughts, and feelings of the common Russian people throughout this era. Despite its length, it's a worthwhile audio course for those interested in an understandable surface-level overview of Russian history.