This book represents yet another attempt to unravel the phenomenon known as the Russian banya. Alongside historical and practical sections—which allow readers to trace the traditions of banya culture, or to independently build a banya, construct a stove, install a plunge pool, and prepare and administer wellness treatments—this volume offers a unique perspective on the banya experience,...

The book was written by one of the dictionary’s authors. ‘At the heart of this work lies an original and highly intriguing concept: to reveal to the reader the ‘creative workshop’ that—invisible to the naked eye—stands behind the *Orthoepic Dictionary of the Russian Language*—one of the most significant achievements of Russian lexicography in the second half of the 20th century’ (A. A. Zaliznyak).