Perhaps we are mistaken, but we have a hazy memory of driving through Leicestershire in England a year or two ago and seeing a sign suggesting that Market Harborough had — as its twin town — the fictional Russian community of Meerkovo. For readers not attuned to the fine sense of humour and irony that sometimes underpins television advertising in Britain, we must explain that Meerkovo has featured in a series of ads for a price-comparison website. Meerkovo is by all accounts populated mainly by meerkats — appealing little mammals, busy creatures who live in clans and show great community spirit.

The spine of Russia
Mikhail Mordasov is a very talented Russian photographer. Paul Richardson is a translator and writer who knows Russia well. When Mikhail and Paul decided to create a book from a long road trip across Russia, we knew something good was in the ...