An expansive region, Russia and the Eurasian Republics take up one-sixth of the land surface on Earth. Spread across two continents and eleven time zones, it is no wonder this region's cultural history is similarly wide and diverse. This book offers readers a unique glimpse into Russian and Eurasian cultures, punctuated by vibrant photographs and engaging fact boxes. The accessible text will help readers understand how this region's culture has been shaped and how it has impacted other countries, both in the surrounding area and across the globe.

An authoritative history of Russia from early Rus' to the reign of Peter the Great.

The 2010s saw an introduction of legislative acts about religion, sexuality, and culture in Russia, which caused an uproar of protests. They politicized areas of life commonly perceived as private and expected to be free of the state's control. As a result, political activism and radical grassroots movements engaged many Russians in controversies about religion and culture and polarized popular opinion in the capitals and regions alike. This volume presents seven case studies which probe into the politics of religion and culture in today's Russia. The contributions highlight the diversity of Russia's religious communities and cultural practices by analyzing Hasidic Jewish identities, popular culture sponsored by the Orthodox Church, literary mobilization of the National Bolshevik Party, cinematic narratives of the Chechen wars, militarization of political Orthodoxy, and moral debates caused by opera as well as film productions. The authors draw on a variety of theoretical approaches and methodologies, including opinion surveys, ethnological fieldwork, narrative analysis, Foucault's conceptualization of biopower, catachrestic politics, and sociological theories of desecularization. The volume’s contributors are Sanna Turoma, Kaarina Aitamurto, Tomi Huttunen, Susan Ikonen, Boris Knorre, Irina Kotkina, Jussi Lassila, Andrey Makarychev, Elena Ostrovskaya, and Mikhail Suslov.

From the Native Americans in the United States and the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis tribes in Canada to modern-day immigrants from all across the globe, the North American continent is home to some of the most diverse peoples and cultures in the world. Through evocative full-color photographs, unique fact boxes, and accessible text, your readers will explore the ways this diversity has defined and helped strengthen Canada and the United States.

Though Europe does not boast a large land area, it contains some of the most distinct and well-known cultural histories in the world. Throughout the continent's long history, borders between countries have been drawn and redrawn countless times, resulting in a unique record of cross-cultural exchange that will captivate the imagination of your readers. Use this book to introduce them to the many different ways the people of Europe speak, dress, cook, celebrate, and create. A whirlwind of photographs will excite readers and help them expand their worldview and their appreciation of Europe.

Latin America is a region that consists of 13 dependencies and 20 countries including Argentina and Brazil. Because of the area's wide breadth, diverse geography, and unique colonization patterns, there are many distinct sub-cultures that all offer a different perspective on life in the region. Along with eye-catching full-color images, this book's informative narrative examines these many cultures and explains how they came to be. Guided by sidebars and fact boxes that underscore key concepts, readers will be taken on a journey across the beautiful Latin American world.

From Afghanistan and Pakistan to Nepal and Bangladesh, the region of South Asia is resplendent with vibrant cultures, unlike anywhere else in the world. South Asia is home to bustling cities, tranquil farmland, and some of the world's most ancient recorded history. These diverse characteristics have produced a wide variety of peoples and cultures, all of which have unique traditions while sharing some core tenets. Readers will learn what makes these peoples and practices so fascinating through a thoroughly researched narrative and informative sidebars. Full-color photographs support this learning experience, and will inspire awe of the beauty of this region.

From conquering a difficult natural environment to fighting in political power struggles, the peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa have met every obstacle with determination. Comprised of 46 countries, this region is also diverse and bountiful with vibrant cultures. This book features fact-filled text that explores and explains this area's cultures. Full-color photographs spotlight the clothes, art, celebrations, and traditions that make Sub-Saharan Africa such a splendid and enduring place.