This book, first published in 1913, and, in this enlarged version, 1927, is distilled from three earlier books: With the Russians in Manchuria (impressions of the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905), A Year in Russia (the record of a momentous year in the political history of Russia, 1905-1906) and Russian Essays and Studies ( later impressions). In a country of recrudescent Russophobia it is refreshing to read an observer with more positive views. Maurice Baring had a life-long enthusiasm for Russia and things Russian. He also happened to be there during one of its most eventful periods. His writings on Russia deserve a new audience, they might have started as journalism but their quality and intelligence give them lasting value.