First published in 1971 (in its English translation), Russia Enters the Twentieth Century provides a broad and detailed survey of Russia during the two decades leading up to the revolution.

An international team of scholars examines each significant aspect of Russian life to create a comprehensive portrait of Russia under Nicholas II (1894–1917), free from the myths imposed by historians who, on both sides, have tended to interpret it through the lens of the revolution that followed, rather than studying it objectively as a distinct period.

This work serves as an important historical reference for students and researchers of Russian history.