Synopses & Reviews
The first comprehensive reader in Russian history in almost two decades, this collection includes primary and secondary material, much of which has never before been published in English, reflecting the latest scholarship on the subject. Supplemented by over 70 illustrations, selections are introduced by placing them in the context of the work's major themes: state structure, the economy, society, and culture and everyday life. From the multi-ethnic peopling of early Russia to the elite society of the nineteenth century, original sources illuminate such topics as state-building, government and politics, the peasantry and the countryside, clergy and religious communities, and women and gender, making this comprehensive text vital for students of Russian history.
Table of Contents
I. The East Slavs and Kievan Rus' Introduction
The Multi-Ethnic Peopling of Early Russia
The State Structure of Kievan Rus'
The Economy in Kievan Rus'
Society in Rus'
Culture and Everyday Life in Kievan Rus'
II. The Post-Kievan Experience (ca. 1150-1497)
Introduction
State-Building in Post-Kievan Rus'
Economy and Society in Post-Kievan Rus'
Culture and Everyday Life in Post-Kievan Rus'
III. The Muscovite Centralized State
Introduction
The State Structure of Muscovite Russia
The Economy of Muscovite Russia
Muscovite Society
Muscovite Culture
Everyday Life in Muscovy
IV. The Imperial Period: From Peter the Great to the Great Reforms (1689-1860's)
Introduction
1. The State, Government, and Politics
The Imperial Service State
Government and Politics in the Eighteenth Century
Government and Politics in the Nineteenth Century
2. The Lower and Middle Estates
The Peasantry and the Countryside
Merchants, Artisans, and Townsfolk
The Clergy and Religious Communities
3. Categories and Structures of Everyday Life
The Economy and Economic Life
Family and Clan
Women and Gender
4. High and Low Culture
Oral Traditions and Popular Culture
Elite Culture and Educated Society: The Eighteenth Century
Elite Culture and Educated Society: The Nineteenth Century
5. The Great Reforms