A clear, source-based history of Russia from the earliest states to the rise of modern empire. This volume assembles authoritative material from leading historians to present a measured, accessible account of Russia’s beginnings and early development, with attention to the ideas and events that shaped its course.
This edition foregrounds a structured view of Russia’s past, organizing the narrative into five major periods, several dynasties, and a sequence of prominent rulers. It emphasizes how the empire slowly formed, how Christianity took hold, and how later reforms and conflicts redirected its path. Readers will encounter careful discussion of sources and the choices behind the history, all written for a general audience without sacrificing analytical depth.
- A concise overview of the early formation of the Russian state and its first centers of power
- In-depth chapters on key rulers and pivotal moments that defined the country’s early development
- An exploration of how different sources were used to construct the narrative
- Context on how later reforms and political shifts affected Russia’s trajectory
Ideal for readers of national histories and those seeking a thoughtfully sourced introduction to Russia’s formative centuries, as presented in a single-volume edition of a two-part work.