The mainsprings of Russia

In this lively portrait of early‑twentieth‑century Russia, the author invites readers to step beyond the stereotypes that newcomers often meet at the border. Drawing from personal encounters in St. Petersburg and the observations of travelers, he contrasts the bustling salons of the Russian elite with the everyday struggles of peasants, showing how both worlds are shaped by a sprawling bureaucracy and a distinct sense of national spirit.

Baring writes with a conversational tone, addressing the questions most travelers ask: how the government really functions, what customs govern daily life, and why the Russian character both mirrors and diverges from its English counterpart. His witty anecdotes and clear explanations aim to spark curiosity rather than deliver exhaustive scholarship, making the book a handy guide for anyone who wants a quick yet thoughtful glimpse into a country on the brink of monumental change.