Customer Reviews

Medieval Russia, 980-1584 (Cambridge Medieval Textbooks)

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This is a useful introduction to a subject which is poorly catered for in English, particularly the Kievan period. However, it starts abruptly (rather strangely) in 980, making no attempt whatever to explain the origins of Rus. Although it guides the reader well through the confusing conflicts between the Riurikid princes before the Mongol invasions, its 'traditional' view of a dynastic succession system has since been questioned (by Franklin and Shepard). The coverage of the Golden Horde and Muscovite periods presents less problems. Worth reading, especially for those who know little about the subject.

I actually have delayed writing a review for this book for about a year now. This book (2nd ed., 2008) was assigned for a Russian history class I was taking and, as a political, social, and economic textbook, it provided a nice narrative of Russian history dating from the adoption of Christianity (988) until the reign of Ivan the Terrible.

Martin's book, as one reviewer has correctly noted, does start off from an odd year: ca. 980 AD. This was around the time that a Russian prince named Vladimir had secured his position on the Russian throne following a succession crisis. To most readers who are unfamiliar with the topic, this event comes off rather abruptly, and considering that the first historical figures that we can identify in Russian history date to the early ninth century, it certainly would have been better for Martin to have started her narrative from there (or at least presented a prologue on what was taking place in Russia up until that time). Nevertheless, the book is highly informative and erudite from this point forward, as we learn about Vladimir's successors, the princely succession system, cultural and social life in Kievan Rus, the Mongol invasions and its collapse, and the consolidation of the Russian states and subsequent rise of Muscovy.

Certain reviewers have complained that the book is not written well, although I would like to add some caveats of my own. While the book may not be a page-turner for everyone, Martin's writing style and prose is not as drab and bland as they make it out to be. The reader will indeed encounter many names and places and this may overwhelm one; however, there are some useful maps and several family-tree diagrams of the reigning princes and monarchs. The text is accompanied by numerous footnotes and the book includes an extensive bibliography. While it may not be perfect for some, readers who are interested in learning more about medieval Russian history will definitely profit from Martin's work.

I have read numerous books on Russian history but have always been interested in the medieval era. However, most histories of Russia I have read would either gloss over the entire 500 years plus or begin with Ivan I and the Tatar Yoke. Martin, albeit starting at the odd year of 980 AD, dives right in and gives you exactly what you wanted! Family trees and beautiful maps and a precise timeline help you right along at a speedy pace as you gorge yourself on Medieval Russian history. If you are curious about the 500 years of Russian history prior to the "Time of Troubles" and have read a book or two of introductory Russian history, then you must read this book now!

I have this text for my class in Medieval Russia, and the professor helps greatly in understanding it. It would have been nice of Martin to be kinder to Western readers who have no idea what is going on in Russia. Better to get familiar with the primary sources like "The Lay of Igor's campaign"...its a more engaging way to start Russian History. Just so you know, her main thesis seems to be that Kievan Russia did have an understandable orderly royal succession policy, not based on random violence between the princes.

There is nothing medieval or Russian about the writing style, which is academic social science jargon circa 1995. Here is an example: "The approaches adopted by the young Ivan IV to regain political harmony were shaped by dynastic interests." Passive voice and two technical terms. Sure sounds like social science. I would not read this book for pleasure.