In the spring of 1989, elections were held: “alternative elections.” This redundant phrase, which today provokes smirks, back then had everyone in a state of euphoria. We had a choice!

One hundred and twenty years ago, the first electric tram went into operation in Moscow.

No matter how many times I watch Diamond Arm («Бриллиантовая рука»), I never cease to wonder at the fact that this film managed to make it to screens all across the Soviet Union in April 1969.

What was the spring of 1969 like in the Soviet Union? A cloud of gloom had descended on the country, enveloping both those who could not see it (or at least thought it had nothing to do with them) and those only too aware of it.

Pavel Bazhov, Russia's greatest modern fabulist, had a complicated and eventful life.

How salt riots and a young tsar led to a Zemsky Sobor and a new body of laws, The Council Code.

Russia has its own way of marking Twelfth Night (Ephiphany). But as a Christian holiday it misses the mark.