For the first time, the Russian news agency TASS has opened its complete photographic archives to create an unprecedented and uncensored look at the last 100 years of life in the Soviet Union and the new Russia as seen through Russian eyes. Featuring more than 250 astonishing photographs - many never before published - these images capture the life of a people and the dramatic sweep of Russian history, from royalty to revolution, the rise and fall of communism, and daily life throughout. Illuminated by richly informative essays and extended captions providing context on the times and the photographs, this is the definitive visual record of Russian history. The book is structured as an introduction and 8 chronological chapters that each begin with a lively essay giving history and context on the years covered, followed by photographs with extended captions.