The author intended this book to be an “overall linguistic view of the [Russian] language” that would “provide the understanding of its structure which is essential for potential teachers and specialist users” (p. 9). His attempt to write a work that would appeal to students and teachers of Russian as well as to linguists was successful. The latter will appreciate Cubberley's thorough description of the language; in addition to the standard chapters on phonology, morphology, and word formation, there are detailed sections on the history of Russian (from Indo-European to the present), syntax (often included as part of morphology in descriptions of Russian), Russian dialects, and sociolinguistics (including current trends and predictions for future developments). For those who do not know Russian, all examples are transliterated and glossed. This book will interest any specialist looking for a solid one-volume introduction to Russian.

Because students and teachers of Russian may not be well versed in linguistic concepts, Cubberley uses a “minimum of specialist terminology” (p. 9) and, in special introductory sections, explains those terms essential to an understanding of the concepts under discussion (e.g., a phoneme). Students and teachers will find this well-organized book a handy reference source, with quick access to entries on a wide variety of topics they will encounter during their study of the language. Russian: A linguistic introduction will be most useful to advanced undergraduate and graduate students.

Cubberley writes in an engaging style that differs greatly from the monotone narrative voice often found in works of this type. He makes relevant cultural asides and competently guides the reader through the major debates in Russian linguistics, such as whether there are one or two stems in the Russian verb system (pp. 148–150). He also frequently refers to illustrative English examples. Both halves of Cubberley's intended audience will be pleased with this book, as it has much to offer Russianists and linguists.