Russia in the European Context, 1789–1914: A Member of the Family

From the Inside Flap "This book makes a significant contribution to the debate over the nature of Imperial Russian history. Not everyone will agree with it, but all those who study the subject will have to contend with its bold assertion of Russia's Europeanness."--Steven G. Marks, author of How Russia Shaped the Modern World|"This book makes a significant contribution to the debate over the nature of Imperial Russian history. Not everyone will agree with it, but all those who study the subject will have to contend with its bold assertion of Russia's Europeanness."--Steven G. Marks, author of How Russia Shaped the Modern World"Kudos to the editors and contributors! Imperial Russia comes alive very much as a 'normal' society with commonality with the rest of Europe as well as uniqueness."--David M. Goldfrank, Georgetown University Product Description This volume surveys Nineteenth-century Russian society and economy and finds that Russian institutions, practices and ideas fit the general European pattern for that period of rapid change. Even apparently distinctive Russian features deepen our understanding of 'Europeaness'. In the Nineteenth-century there were still many different ways to be European, and excessive generalization based on the experiences of one or two countries obscures the great diversity that still characterized European civilization. Moreover, these essays bring to light several points at which Russian legislation and thinking provided models and examples for others to follow. The authors focus on key elements of how Russians envisaged and constructed their economy and society. This is an important contribution that increases understanding of Russian history at a time when Russia's relationship with the 'West' is again debated. Review "This book makes a significant contribution to the debate over the nature of Imperial Russian history. Not everyone will agree with it, but all those who study the subject will have to contend with its bold assertion of Russia's Europeanness." - Steven G. Marks, author of How Russia Shaped the Modern World"Kudos to the editors and contributors! Imperial Russia comes alive very much as a 'normal' society with commonality with the rest of Europe as well as uniqueness." - David M. Goldfrank, Georgetown University From the Back Cover "This book makes a significant contribution to the debate over the nature of Imperial Russian history. Not everyone will agree with it, but all those who study the subject will have to contend with its bold assertion of Russia's Europeanness."--Steven G. Marks, author of "How Russia Shaped the Modern World" "Kudos to the editors and contributors! Imperial Russia comes alive very much as a 'normal' society with commonality with the rest of Europe as well as uniqueness."--David M. Goldfrank, Georgetown University About the Author SUSAN P. MCCAFFRAY is Professor of History at the University of North Carolina, USA.MICHAEL MELANCON is Professor of History at Auburn University, USA.