Reinterpreting Russian History: Readings, 860-1860s

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

Review :
"Excellent selection of primary texts, provocative essays for discussion."--Shashana Keller, Hamilton College "An excellent collection of readings. A definite possibilitry for outside reading."--Bernard Kiernan, Concord College "In twenty-five years of teaching Russian history, this volume represents the finest and most useful combination of primary and secondary interpretive resources and documents I have encountered. This is by far the finest reader that I have encountered to accompany text."--Carl Wilson, Assumption College "An inviting combination of documents, interpretive articles, and illustrations. Offers fine opportunities for close analysis of texts for upper-division students."--Cathy Frierson, University of New Hampshire "A superb collection of documents and articles with an essential focus on society and the life of the people. A perfect complement to a text in upper division Russian history courses."--Seth Singleton, Pacific University "A very useful collection for general survey cuorses."--T.E. Smuels, University of Hawaii, Hilo "Some unusual (and I think well chosen) primary sources; the secondary sources are sometimes challenging for undergraduates but nicely reflect recent scholarship."--Paul Teverow, Missouri Southern State College "Excellent book, thorough in scope; pays equal attention to all periods covered (a rare phenomenon)."--Adeeb Khalid, Carleton College "Excellent coverage of all the key topics for the years 860-1860."--Alan Levy, Slippery Rock University "A thoughtfully chosen, well balanced collection."--W. Bruce Lincoln, Northern Illinois University "Includes a healthy balance of documents and secondary accounts which should enable a student of Russia to gain a more accurate understanding of Russia's past."--William L. Ketchersid, Bryan College "Much needed coverage of cultural and material life--especially folk culture and institutions. Beautifully produced--congratulations!"--Patrick Rollins, Old Dominion University "Excellent collection of documents and readings. Will make a Russian history course come alive!"--V. Lyle Haskins, Northeastern State University "The best book of readings ever. This field has been begging for an issue approach reader."--Richard Warner, Mary Washington College