In Russia, both rulers and ruled long endeavoured to transform their country, each in their own forcible way. Their efforts never quite seemed to bring the results hoped for, and despite reform and revolution some things changed very little. This book sets out to relate Russian tradition and circumstances to the events of history and to encourage readers to seek their own explanation of the country's paradox.

For this fourth edition of Endurance and Endeavour J. N. Westwood has completely revised the text and bibliography, and added a new chapter covering the latest important and exciting developments in the history of the former Soviet Union.