In a text that is so crowded with Russian and other foreign names, several of which have variant spellings, it is difficult to impose a rigid consistency. There is no single universal style of Russian transliteration but, in general, Russian names and places have been transliterated following the system of Oxford Slavonic Papers, with variant spellings given in the bibliography and index where appropriate. In the case of names of Russian tsars – such as Alexander, Nicholas and Paul – and prominent figures – such as Boris Yeltsin – the convention of using the popular, anglicised spelling is followed.
The city of St Petersburg has changed its name several times this century. It held its current name from its foundation in 1703 by Peter the Great to 1914. Between 1914 and 1924 it was named Petrograd, and from 1924 to 1991 Leningrad. In 1991 it reverted to its original name. The text refers to the city in the relevant name for the historical context being described.
Footnotes have not been included in the text on the assumption that they would interfere with the narrative. Where the source of a quotation is not obvious, it will be found in the bibliography, which is divided by chapters.