"Khodarkovsky provides a detailed chronological narrative of Russia's steppe relations, which conveys brilliantly the depth of Moscow's engagement in the world of steppe politics.... This is counterbalanced by insightful thematic discussion of the perennial issues involved.... Altogether, an excellent study of a vital dimension of Russia's historical evolution." --Slavonic and East European Review

..". the first connected account of Moscow's assertion of military and political control over its steppe frontier. The book's scope is impressive, as it traces the transformation of a...