Reviews

“In Chapter 1, Newell offers an excellent introduction to the Russian Far East's geography, major industries, ecology, biodiversity hotspots, the economy, legal issues, and issues of sustainable development. Then he analyzes in-depth those topics for the ten political divisions of the Russian Far East (RFE). Charts cover timber production, foreign investment, and indigenous peoples; black-and-white and color maps and illustrations accompany the text. Contributors include 90 international specialists who have compiled statistics from a variety of hard-to-find sources. This will undoubtedly be the definitive reference source on the RFE for some years to come.”

Library Journal (5/1/04)

“This text definitely belongs in the reference collection of any library supporting programs in environmental studies or international studies—and undoubtedly in a good many more.”

Dr. Michael Biggins
Slavic and East European Studies Librarian, University of Washington Libraries

“The Russian Far East is the most biologically diverse area of the largest country on earth, but it is also perhaps the least well-known area of the planet with regards to both conservation and potential development. This reference guide has become at once THE essential document for all who address the treasures and perils of the region.”

Dr. John Cloud
National Ocean and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Library

“Finding hard facts about the Russian Far East can be as thankless as trying to row across the Bering Straits in a leaky kayak, but Josh Newell is a master and commander on these stormy seas. His RFE reference guide is packed with useful information, presented in a beautifully simple and readable format...It is a magnificent achievement, and will be relished by experts and newcomers to the subject alike.”

Sarah Hurst
Editor, Russian Far East News, University of Alaska Anchorage

“The Russian Far East provides an excellent foundation for anyone seeking to learn about the natural and human make-up of the region in a beautifully compiled volume. By partnering with knowledgeable Russian, indigenous, and expert contributors, Newell provides a rich view of the state of affairs in the Russian Far East that demonstrates an admirable commitment to insuring that local voices tell the story of a region, not just outside observers and consultants. This commitment ensures that people affected by resource management and development issues can be heard directly, not only only as perceived by scientists and journalists, no matter how perceptive and sensitive they might be... Readers will learn about the extent of timber, plant, animal, fish, indigenous populations, conservation lands, and energy resources identified in the regions and the current developments, proposals and plans that impinge on them... Readers will also find valuable policy action and community education tools provided by Newell and his colleagues. The thoughtful presentation of complex issues, the effort to use plain language to communicate the depth and breadth of the problems confronting the RFE, and the very detailed yet clearly crafted maps, demonstrate how effective well prepared documents can be at illustrating a distant and exotic place.

Paul Robinson
Voices from the Earth, Southwest Research and Information Center

“This book is terrific. Detailed and obsessively thorough! I consider it a fundamental reference book for anyone working in the Russian Far East these days.

Tom Stone
Senior Research Associate, Woods Hole Research Center

“An indispensable resource.”

Terry Choate
CEO, Scribe Consulting

“This compendium of valuable information is crucial to all research in this region - from biogeography to environmental studies to ecology to ethnic studies. There is no other book in which all of this information is so easily accessible - a timely contribution! I recommend this book for any type of audience interested in this area.”

J. K. Graybill
Urban Ecologist and Geographer, University of Washington

“This is a beautifully produced volume on the ecology and economy of the Russian Far East, with a mass of detailed information on each province and numerous maps and photos.”

Stephen D. Shenfield
Editor, Johnson's Russia List (Research and Analytical Supplement)

“Congratulations on producing such a useful and informative publication. It fills a real need and will be the gold standard in its field for many years to come.”

Richard S. Lanier
Director, Trust for Mutual Understanding