Kievan Russia (The History of Russia Series) [Paperback]

George Vernadsky (Author)

Book Description

Series: The History of Russia Series | Publication Date: September 10, 1973

Kievan Russia was originally published in a clothbound edition in 1948 as volume two in George Vernadsky's comprehensive series, A History of Russia. It is now available for the first time in a paperbound edition. At the time of its publication Kievan Russia received the following reviews: "The account of this little-know chapter of Russian history is based on a formidable mass of Slavic Byzantine, Germanic, and Oriental (notably Arabic and Persian_ sources. Much of this material is new, and the thorough utilization of all primary and secondary literature accumulated since Kluchevsky wrote his great history easily makes this volume the definitive study of the Kievan period in the English language. There is hardly an aspect of the life of Russia at that time which remains untouched, and the scope of the author's interests and erudition is indeed impressive....When all is said, Vernadsky's filling a definite gap in American historical literature."-The Annals

Product Details

• Paperback: 430 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (September 10, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300016476
• ISBN-13: 978-0300016475
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #524,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading for the student of Russian History., February 28, 2000

By 

Stephen C. Brain (Bishop, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kievan Russia (The History of Russia Series) (Paperback)

Vernadsky clearly outlines the trends of the first Russian state. Present here is political, social and economic history, presented in a non-biased, non-ideological way. The parts regarding the dizzying array of alliances, broken promises and internecine struggles of the Russian princes may be a little confusing, but they need not be memorized to understand the general development of Kievan Rus'. This book represents a nice foundation for those who want to understand the development of the Russian nation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Glimpse into Kievan Rus, May 10, 2008

By 

Eric S. Kim (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kievan Russia (The History of Russia Series) (Paperback)

This book was published in the 1940's, but was then renewed in 1976. While it is a bit outdated, the information that's found in the book is astonishing. Nearly every apsect of Kievan Rus is here: history, ways of life, systems of status, etc. And while the author Vernadsky does add his own opinions in only a few spots, the book is still very unbiased. So this is an excellent introduction of Medieval Russian history (another is the first half of "Land of the Firebird" by Suzanne Massie.).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential Introduction to Kievan Rus', December 31, 2008

By 

J. Beebe (Wisconsin, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kievan Russia (The History of Russia Series) (Paperback)

This book is a classic in the study of Kievan Rus' and is a must read for anyone interested in the subject. The style can seem a bit stuffy at times, but this is not overbearing and is offset by the wealth of information.