For centuries, Central Asia has been a leading civilization, an Islamic heartland, and a geographical link between West and East. This work provides a comprehensive survey of the history of the impact of Russian rule upon the political, economic, social, intellectual, and cultural life of this diverse region.

"A very useful background text. . . . This work will long remain an expert tool for all those interested in the new Muslim states in Central Asia." --Jacob B. Landau, "Middle Eastern Studies"