A review of the efforts of Russia, under the tsars and the Soviets, to bring Iran within its imperial embrace. The book has its merits in showing the continuity of Russian policy, based on geopolitical realities and great-power expansionism, but the treatment is a bit cursory and the use of sources limited and selective. In line with his overall argument, the author predicts that the post-Khomeini period will offer the Soviets manifold opportunities to extend their sway over northern Iran or the entire country.