Russian Exploration from Siberia to Space

<p> In the history of geographical discovery and exploration a well-known cast of European characters and events takes center stage. While the importance of achievements by Columbus Cortes Magellan Cook Lewis and Clark and Neil Armstrong remains unassailable the participation of Russia in the European era of exploration conquest expansion and colonization deserves equal attention.</p><p> This study provides a narrative survey and critical analysis of a rich but overlooked tradition of geographical exploration by Russians and others in Russian service since 1580. Following Russian pioneers across Siberia Alaska Brazil Hawaii and the Pacific Central Asia Australasia the Arctic and Antarctic and into space this work establishes Russia in the history of world exploration and connects the Russian experience of exploration to Russian national identity past and present.</p>