WITH Vladimir Putin elected for a second term as Russian president, Andrew Jack provides a compelling account of the changes that have taken place in the country since its enigmatic leader came to power - and what has stayed stubbornly the same.

The book charts Putin's rise to power, his dealings with the oligarchs who played such a large part in Russia's transition from Communism, his handling of the Chechen crisis and the Kursk disaster and alarmingly authoritarian relations with the media.

Much of Putin's early life appears to have been hidden from the author despite his efforts. Some details emerge of a young man, keen on martial arts and displaying loyalty which would stand him in good stead for the future - but not much more. Putin's time in the KGB, unsurprisingly, is similarly shadowy - although Jack suspects he was much more pen pusher than master-spy.

Enjoying the favour of former president Boris Yeltsin's influential "family", Jack shows how Putin's reputation for loyalty to his masters eased his ascent.

He also highlights the president's ruthless side: The involvement of Russian armed forces in further conflict in the Chechen "dirty war" and also the president's handling of the Moscow Theatre siege of 2002 are detailed.

Darker still are examinations of conspiracy theories regarding the Moscow bombings of 1999 and alleged state involvement, all carefully outlined.

The book is meticulously researched and features interviews with many of the major players of the time. The author's extensive travel takes him from the major cities displaying often outlandish signs of wealth to poverty-stricken rural areas.

His helicopter trip over Chechen war zones bathed in the light of ruptured gas pipes provides an unforgettable image of the hell on Earth some of the disputed area became.

Inside Putin's Russia, by Andrew Jack (Granta Books, £20)