The Soviet Republic of Armenia is only a small part of the historic Armenia which, until the mass deportations of 1915, had existed for over 2050 years. The importance of this small country-of the role it has played in the perennial struggle between east and west, and Christian civilization in westren Asia-is being increasingly recognized. And yet, though specialized studies have been devoted to single aspects of Armenia, Professor Der Nersessian's book is the first comprehensive account.