For several centuries, the Russians have been famous (or notorious) for the number of transactions they conduct through unofficial channels. This book, the first sustained attempt to explain and analyse Russian society's heavy reliance on unofficial 'give-and-take', focuses especially on two key practices: bribery (the use of public office for private gain) and blat (the informal exchange of favours). It brings together specialists from a wide range of disciplines (history, literary and cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, psychology, politics).