Peasant Icons: Representations of Rural People in Late Nineteenth-Century Russia - Hardcover

Frierson, Cathy A.

4.83

6 ratings by Goodreads

9780195072938: Peasant Icons: Representations of Rural People in Late Nineteenth-Century Russia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195072936 ISBN 13: 9780195072938

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1993

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Frierson's study examines the revealing images of the peasant created by Russian writers, scholars, journalists, and government officials in the twenty years following emancipation. She illustrates how the question, "Who is the Russian peasant?" became deeply embedded in the larger questions of "What is Russia?" and "What will Russia be?" in the programs of liberal reformers and conservatives alike. Along the way she introduces readers to the stereotypes created by intellectuals (including such writers as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky) in order to comprehend peasant life, from the likeable narod, the simple man of the simple folk, to the exploitative kulak, the village strongman.

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About the Author:

Cathy A. Frierson, Arthur K. Whitcomb Assistant Professor of History, University of New Hampshire.

Review:

"[A] highly stimulating and thought-provoking study in Russian intellectual history,...future analyses of scenes from classic works of Russian fiction...will benefit enormously from the illuminating intellectual, cultural, and historical contexts that Frierson has provided in this impressive
study of 'peasant icons.'"--Modern Philology

"[A]n abundance of interesting material...much intelligent discussion of it, a judicious conclusion, and an impressive range of reference to both primary sources and relevant scholarship in the extensive notes and bibliography."--Rural History

"An excellent description and analysis."--David L. Ransel, Indiana University

"Many have touched on this subject, but no one has done it, as a whole, before--so thoroughly, so convincingly, so delightfully, so wonderfully!"--Francis B. Randall, Sarah Lawrence College

"A fascinating study of the way the Russian peasant is mythologized by the intelligentsia of the late 19th century--an excellent study of mythmaking and political naivete."--Lohr E. Miller, Auburn University of Montgomery

"Wonderful for a history (or literature) course in late 19th century Russia; good mix of 'solid' history and lively literary sources."--Alan H. Levy, Slippery Rock University

"Offers an exciting new approach and complement to the studies of Russian peasants."--Idris Rhea Traylor, Jr., Texas Tech University

"This is a stimulating book. The author opens up the whole issue of nineteenth-century educated Russians' preoccupation with the peasantry."--Jeffrey Brooks, Johns Hopkins University

"Frierson's study is fascinating. Absolutely first rate!"--Bruce Lincoln, Northern Illinois University

"Imaginative use of a broad array of source materials."--Paul Teverow, Missouri Southern State College

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