Discovering the Moscow Countryside: An Illustrated Guide to Russia's Heartland
Murrell, the author of eight works on Russia, writes here of her  experience of living in Moscow for many years and exploring the  countryside around the capital the area studded with towns and  villages with fascinating architecture, history, culture, and  archaeology. Many of the area's well-known monasteries,  cathedrals, and country churches have just recently begun to  thrive after the fall of communism. Covering mainly the area  within a 90-mile radius of Moscow, Murrell includes the many and  varied dachas, the vacation homes of the upper classes before  the rise of communism. The book is conveniently divided  according to weekend trips along ten major roadways. The table  of contents is detailed, the glossary is extremely helpful, and  an abundance of maps and a lengthy list of the area's principal  architects and artists are included. Unfortunately, this book  lacks an indispensable feature of any travel guide an index.  Still, this is an informative guide for a traveler or anyone  else interested in Russia's history and geography. Melinda  Stivers Leach, Precision Editorial Svcs., Wondervu, COCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.