Reinterpreting Russian History

"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

• I. The East Slavs and Kievan Rus'IntroductionThe Multi-Ethnic Peopling of Early RussiaThe 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)IntroductionState-Building in Post-Kievan Rus'Economy and Society in Post-Kievan Rus'Culture and Everyday Life in Post-Kievan Rus'III. The Muscovite Centralized StateIntroductionThe State Structure of Muscovite RussiaThe Economy of Muscovite RussiaMuscovite SocietyMuscovite CultureEveryday Life in MuscovyIV. The Imperial Period: From Peter the Great to the Great Reforms (1689-1860's)Introduction1: The State, Government, and PoliticsThe Imperial Service StateGovernment and Politics in the Eighteenth CenturyGovernment and Politics in the Nineteenth Century2: The Lower and Middle EstatesThe Peasantry and the CountrysideMerchants, Artisans, and TownsfolkThe Clergy and Religious Communities3: Categories and Structures of Everyday LifeThe Economy and Economic LifeFamily and ClanWomen and Gender4: High and Low CultureOral Traditions and Popular CultureElite Culture and Educated Society: The Eighteenth CenturyElite Culture and Educated Society: The Nineteenth Century5: The Great Reforms