This study examines the interaction of peasant and official Russia in the period prior to the reforms of 1861. In a series of case studies the issues of communication and understanding between the peasantry and officialdom, peasant aims and behavioural patterns are explored.
Part 1 The peasantry and official Russia: introduction; communication from official Russia to the peasantry - official channels, unofficial channels; communication from the peasantry to official Russia. Part 2 Peasant flight to the north Caucasus and legislation on the settlement of the region in the 1830s and 1840s: introduction; law and practice on fugitive peasants; legislation on the settlement of the north Caucasus in the 1830s and 1840s - legislation on the settlement of the Caucasus line, legislation on the settlement of the North - East coast of the Black Sea; peasant flights to the Caucasus line, 1830-1833; peasant flights to the North-East Coast of the Black Sea, 1833-1837; peasant flight to the North Caucasus after 1837; conclusion. Part 3 The peasantry and the limited reforms of serfdom of the 1840s: the decree of 1842 on "obliged peasants"; the decree of 1847 on the redemption of estates being sold by auction; peasant volunteers for military service during the Crimean War; the volunteer phenomenon in 1854; "misunderstanding" legislation - peasants" aims, mentalite and behaviour - the causes and significance of peasants' "misunderstandings", peasants' aims and aspirations, peasant mentalite and behavioural patterns.
