A interpretive and entertaining history of Moscow, a city whose rich past offers critical understanding of modern global politics. "An marvelous book" - Eleni Rappaport, author of The Rebel Romanov "Every page pulses with personal stories and historical insights" - Mark Galeotti, author of A Short History of Russia "Morisson is the perfect biographer of Moscow" - Son Walker, author of The Illegals Moscow is at the center of a nation that encompasses eleven percent of the world's landmass, eleven time zones, and nearly one hundred fifty million people, of which about thirteen million live in the capital. *A Kingdom and a Village* brings to life the heart and soul of Russia, following its transformation from a "great community" to a metropolis of immense geopolitical significance. It is a story more strange than fiction. Only the last century experienced nearly invasions and battles, the destruction and reconstruction of sacred monuments, and the collapse of the Soviet republic — not to mention the rise of an autocratic leader who is a lover of Russian history. Morrison traces the founding of the city as a fortress beside a river nearly a thousand years ago. Over the centuries, numerous external forces — from the Tatar Mongols and Swedes to Napoleon and Hitler — turned their gaze to Moscow, reinforcing its self-image as a shining prize and a place of ongoing defense and renewal. Understanding Moscow not only unlocks the enchanting mysteries of Russia's past but also the harsh logic of its present. *A Kingdom and a Village* is an essential guide to a people and a nation. "Enchanted ... captivating" - Ben Rounds, author of The World As It Is "A compelling account of how Moscow came to be" - Jill Doherty, author of My Russia "Combines tight narration with incisive analysis" - Rebekah Reich, University of Cambridge Pages: 528, Dimensions: 15.6x15.6cm