This reader acquaints foreign students with the most interesting and important facts of the Russian history and culture. The book includes 14 chapters. Each chapter consists of the texts and there are training exercises after and before the texts. 

Some important aspects of the Russian life such as family, holidays, every-day life are described in the book. Besides there are chapters devoted to the development of the Russian culture (architecture, painting, music, theatre and cinema) from the ancient to modern times. The book is meant for the foreign students of humanitarian faculties. It is designed for those who have a good command of the Russian language (advanced level).