"From a leading journalist in Moscow and a correspondent for The New Yorker, a groundbreaking portrait of modern Russia and the inner struggles of the people who sustain Vladimir Putin's rule"-- Yaffa introduces us to some of contemporary Russia's most remarkable figures who have built their careers and constructed their identities in the shadow of the Putin system. Torn between their own ambitions and the omnipresent demands of the state, each walks an individual path of compromise. They understand that their dreams are best-- or only-- realized through varying degrees of cooperation with the Russian government. By showing how citizens shape their lives around the demands of a capricious and frequently repressive state-- as often by choice as under threat of force-- Yaffa offers urgent lessons about the true nature of modern authoritarianism. -- adapted from jacket. Provided by publisher.

Prologue: The wily man -- Master the ceremonies -- Beware of dragons -- The last free priest -- King of the pride -- Notes on camp -- Hell on earth -- Subtle creatures -- Fathers and sons.