"Dagestan is technically part of Russia, but it has a culture all its own. Readers discover the unique culture of Dagestan and how it differs from Russia in this informative look at a part of the world most people know little about. Essential information about religion in the region and the history and political structure of this part of the world are coupled with fun facts about holidays, the arts, and food. In fact, easy-to-follow recipes are even...

When he was just a fledgling birdwatcher, Jonathan C. Slaght had a chance encounter with one of the most mysterious birds on Earth. Bigger than any owl he knew, it looked like a small bear with decorative feathers. He snapped a quick photo and shared it with experts. Soon he was on a five-year journey, searching for this enormous, enigmatic creature in the lush, remote forests of eastern Russia. That first sighting set his calling as a scientist....

The author describes her experiences during World War II when she and her family were arrested by the Russians and were sent to work in the Siberian gypsum mines.