A correspondent for the "New York Times" and the author of several fine books on Russia, Salisbury surveys the poets, prophets and religious fanatics that peopled this momentous era of Russian history. The book is an evocative, moving account of one of the great political tragedies of the 20th century -- brought to life in colorful detail. It begins with the execution of Lenin's brother for the attempted assassination of Tsar Alexander III, and goes on to paint a vivid picture of the fatal crush of the crowds at Tsar Nicolas II's coronation, Bloody Sunday, the abdication of the tsar, the storming of the Winter Palace in the October Revolution, the Communist takeover, and the first days of the emerging Soviet Union.  (RUS12, $16.95)