THE “RUSSIAN HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA”: A FUNDAMENTAL SCHOLARLY PROJECT OF THE INSTITUTE OF WORLD HISTORY, RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

The fundamental scientific publication "Russian Historical Encyclopedia" possesses scientific and social significance. Representing the result of the work of many scholars, meeting high scientific standards and reflecting the current state of scientific thought, the encyclopedia addresses the social demand for an objective and scientifically substantiated presentation of history. The "Russian Historical Encyclopedia" is addressed to libraries, schools, universities, government institutions, the scientific community, teachers, historians, philologists, cultural scientists, sociologists, representatives of all humanitarian fields; to people interested in the history of their state and world history from ancient times to the present day. In conclusion, we express our hope that the RHE, like its predecessor published in Soviet times, will be in demand by readers for many years in the 21st century and that the efforts of its creators – authors, editors, publishers – will be duly appreciated. The high scientific level of the encyclopedia, the thoroughly conducted accompanying organizational and editorial work, the professionalism of the publishing staff provide every reason to believe so. This multi-volume encyclopedic publication performs another important social function, which is related to the implementation of state efforts to develop the book trade, enhance reading culture, and preserve the traditions inherent to Russia in this area. In a complex era of truly global informational turbulence, mass psychoses generated by various fakes, and hostile historical policies, people need a reliable and solid foundation. As justly noted back in the 19th century: "To a world afflicted by madness, another world must be opposed, a world of wisdom, reason, justice, and order."