Martin Sixsmith's history began in the 9th century when Russia was a collection of warring tribes. He now vividly portrays Ivan the Terrible's iron fist in his bid to find unity. Show more

Martin Sixsmith begins his major series, telling the story of Russia's journey from a collection of tribes over 1,000 years ago to its present place among the world's nations. Show more

Russia needed a huge peasant class to work the land, but as the 19th century came to an end, pressure for reform was becoming intense. Show more

Martin Sixsmith plots the events that lead to the Russian Revolution, the roles of politicians, and of Trotsky and Lenin. Had reform succeeded, how different Russia might be today. Show more

Under Catherine the Great Russia becomes Europe's most feared superpower. But, as Martin Sixsmith shows, an ingrained fear of vulnerability lay beneath this show of strength. Show more