From Supplication to Revolution: A Documentary Social History of Imperial Russia [Paperback]

Gregory L. Freeze (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195043596 | ISBN-13: 978-0195043594 | Publication Date: February 25, 1988

Of all the dimensions of modern Russian history, it is the stucture, interactions, grievances, and aspirations of pre-revolutionary society which have been most neglected. Professor Freeze's unique documentary history of the development of social order in Imperial Russia fills this gap by presenting translations of important, representative statements by the main social categories of Russian society. These documents, some of them drawn from previously unpublished archival material, are organized to present a coherent picture of Russian society at three crucial junctures - the 1760s, 1860s, and 1905-1906 - and so provide a systematic self-portrait of various social groups and their aspirations. As the documents change in form, tone, and substance, there emerges a graphic sense of how Russian society evolved and why the autocracy collapsed in 1917.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A most useful collection in a large variety of subjects that will enrich my students' knowledge of Russian society prior to the Revolution of 1917."--Paul H. Elovitz, Ramapo College

"Succeeds triumphantly in making vivid and audible the ideas and aspirations of the varied social groups of Imperial Russia."--The Slavonic Review

"[An] extremely stimulating selection of unusual sources covering a wide span of social groups over 150 years--an ingenious anthology of primary documents made available for the first time. Hats off to Greg Freeze for a splendid anthology."--John T. Alexander, University of Kansas

"Splendid! Thank goodness someone finally has done this."--Sue McCaffray, Wake Forest College

"A most profound and eminently scholarly work on Imperial Russia of the 19th-century. It should be invaluable for any true student of the period."--J.L. Starr, School of the Visual Arts

"I can't imagine ever teaching history of Imperial Russia without using this text. It is superb and long overdue."--Hugh D. Phillips, University of Alabama

"An excellent collection of documents by a first-rate scholar. They provide first hand insight into life as lived in Russia on various levels. Students will find them fascinating."--James W. Cunningham, College of St. Catherine

"Excellent....A judicious job of editing."--Paul Teverow, Missouri Southern State College

"Unique collection of material, and presented in an informative and logical way."--T.E. Smuck, University of Hawaii

"Another fine contribution from Professor Freeze, a volume destined to appear on a great many required text lists for courses in Imperial Russian history. The selection of documents is outstanding, and the concentration on three important historical periods also has merit."--Dr. Chester M. Rzadkiewicz, West Georgia College

About the Author

Gregory L. Freeze is at Brandeis University; Harvard University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 25, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195043596
• ISBN-13: 978-0195043594
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #631,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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