Often overshadowed by the drama of its catastrophic collapse in the November 1917 Revolution, the Imperial Russian Army's record in 1914-16 included some notable victories. Its human qualities of patriotism and endurance were remarkable, and in 1916 the 'Brusilov Offensive' on the South-Western Front outdistanced anything that was being achieved in France. The variety and romance of its uniforms - infantry and cavalry, Guards and Line, Cossacks, armour and Air Service crewmen, even a priest - are splendidly captured here by Russia's leading military artist; and Nik Cornish's expert text is supported by tables of insignia and many rare photographs.

CONTENTS

• Introduction: the Russian Army and society
• The 'Great Programme': military and industrial reforms in 1914
• The strategic situation
• Organisation of the armed forces
• Chronology of campaigns
• Uniforms: Parade & service dress, Guards, line, Cossacks, specialist troops and services
• Non-Russian formations
• Russian elite units
• Weapons Tactics
• Colour plates commentary