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

Gregory L. Freeze (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 1988

The first authoritative collection of primary documents on the social history of Imperial Russia, this volume delineates the basic issues of social structure and change in pre-revolutionary Russian society as it headed toward the cataclysm of 1917. Gregory Freeze has collected and translated original materials from the Soviet archives, including many never before published, in which members of the major social groups of Russian society--the nobility, military and civil service groups, clergy, townspeople, peasantry, workers, professionals and educated elites, and minorities--articulate their experiences. Organized into three chronological sections--the reign of Catherine the Great in the 1760s, the reform movements of the 1860s, and the rising tide of revolution in 1905-06--the book offers a unique and valuable comparative analysis of various groups with each other, of a single group over time, and of the relative patterns of change among several groups over time. As the collective statements change in form, tone, and substance, they provide a dramatic sense of how Russian society evolved and why the Imperial autocracy collapsed.

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 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Gregory L. Freeze is at Brandeis University; Harvard University. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 25, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195043723
• ISBN-13: 978-0195043723
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,306,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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