A History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia, Volume I: Inner Eurasia from Prehistory to the Mongol Empire

"Overall, this is an excellent book. It is rich in detail and has a good blend between description and history. It is everywhere fair and balanced in its interpretations. It is well written and well produced with good illustrations, maps, a useful chronology which divides the region into west, centre and east, and an excellent and extensive, albeit overwhelmingly English-language bibliography. Perhaps most important of all, although the histories of the various areas of concern to this book are reasonably well trodden paths, it crafts a new interpretation by taking up a distinct area of focus - inner Eurasia - and succeeds admirably in convincing the reader of the significance and interest of that region's history. I strongly recommend the book." Asian Ethnicity Journal

"Well-written, impressive and bold synthesis ... One looks forward eagerly to volume 2." The Russian Review

"Big picture history requires energy, openness and risk taking, a willingness to escape from the well-worn grooves of academe ... Christian has effected a great escape." Journal of Asian Studies