A sweeping account of the exploration, conquest and colonization of Russia's "West," beginning with the crossing of the Ural Mountains by the Cossacks in 1580. Six areas of Siberia are examined, including Lake Baikal and Irkutsk. Invaluable for its perspective of the history, ecology and traditions of Siberia, this lyrical book was written by one of Russia's great post-Stalin writers, second in importance only to Solzhenitsyn. Admirably translated into English for the first time, the book is a tribute to Siberia -- and a call for its salvation, full of profound sadness over the waste of such a beautiful, natural refuge.  (SIB01, $22.95)