Description
Book SynopsisThis eagerly awaited volume, the first of its kind by western scholars, describes the development amongst the diverse inhabitants of the immense landmass between the Carpathians and Urals of a political, economic and social nexus (underpinned by a common culture and, eventually, a common faith), out of which would emerge the future Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The authors explore every aspect of life in Rus, using evidence and the fruits of post-Soviet historiography. They describe the rise of a polity centred on Kiev, the coming of Christianity, and the increasing prosperity of the region even as, with the proliferation of new dynastic centres, the balance of power shifted northwards and westwards. Fractured, violent and transitory though it often is, this is a story of growth and achievement - and a masterly piece of historical synthesis.
Trade Review 'The overwhelming impression left by this book is of its scholarship, multilingual and discriminating: it is also readable, evocative and witty.' Times Higher Education SupplementTable of ContentsIntroduction. Part I: Roots and Routes. 1. The Silver Seekers From the North (c. 750-900). 2. Turning South.
3. The Dnieper Rus: Organise or Die. 4. U-Turns and Conversion (c.960-1015). Part II: Kiev and Rus. 5. Martyers and Mercenaries (c. 1015-1036). 6. Cracked Facades (1036-1054). 7. The Inner Circle (1054-c.1113).
8.The Prince and the City (c.1070- c1120). Part III: The Rise of the Regions. 9 Integration and Diffusion (c. 1130-c. 1170). 10 Prospect and Retrospect: 1185 and After. Maps. Select Bibliography. Index
