August 1914 [antikvár]

Foreword This book comprises only the first part, or fascicle, of a work in many parts, Therefore, it makes no pretense at completeness, even in the development of its characters: except for the opera- tions of Samsonov's army, this is only the initial presentation of a longer work. The whole work, however, may take as long as twenty years, and probably I will not live to finish it. Given the difficulty of retelling history, I need, as the work progresses, the cooperation of readers who still remember the period. That is why I have decided to publish in fascicles, or a series of volumes. A.S. Translator's Noté The translator wishes to record his gratitude for the invaluable help given to him in the form of research, editorial assistance, and specialist advice by Vera Belyavina-Dixon, Dr. M. Lewin, Susan Henderson, Leonid Vladimirov, Jacqueline Mitchell, Arch- priest Sergei Hackel, and Linda Aldwinckle; as well as for the skill, support, and unfailing patience of the directors and editorial staff of my publishers in London. He is also, greatly indebted to his colleagues of the Department of Russian Language and Literature and of the Centre for Russian and East European Studies, University of Birmingham, without whose sympathy and cooperation this translation could not have been made. For the American edition, my publishers in New York have made minor emendations, mostly in spelling, to conform with American usage. M.G.