Kievan Russia

By George Vernadsky

Book Overview

Kievan Russia was originally published in a clothbound edition in 1948 as volume two in George Vernadsky's comprehensive series, A History of Russia. It is now available for the first time in a paperbound edition. At the time of its publication Kievan Russia received the following reviews:
"The account of this little-know chapter of Russian history is based on a formidable mass of Slavic Byzantine, Germanic, and Oriental (notably Arabic and Persian_ sources. Much of this material is new, and the thorough utilization of all primary and secondary literature accumulated since Kluchevsky wrote his great history easily makes this volume the definitive study of the Kievan period in the English language. There is hardly an aspect of the life of Russia at that time which remains untouched, and the scope of the author's interests and erudition is indeed impressive....When all is said, Vernadsky's filling a definite gap in American historical literature."--The Annals
"This volume is an outstanding contribution to the understanding of an important period of Russian history. It is bound to have a marked influence on Western opinion about the years in Russian history it treats in such masterly manner."--American Historical Review
"If Professor Vernadsky has not written the definitive work on Kievan Russia, no such book could be written without being indebted to Professor Vernadsky's encyclopedic erudition."--American Historical Review
George Vernadsky is professor emeritus of Russian history at Yale University and the author of numerous books on Russian history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300016476
• ISBN13: 9780300016475
• Release Date: September 1973
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 430 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Essential Introduction to Kievan Rus'

This book is a classic in the study of Kievan Rus' and is a must read for anyone interested in the subject. The style can seem a bit stuffy at times, but this is not overbearing and is offset by the wealth of information.

The Ultimate Glimpse into Kievan Rus

This book was published in the 1940's, but was then renewed in 1976. While it is a bit outdated, the information that's found in the book is astonishing. Nearly every apsect of Kievan Rus is here: history, ways of life, systems of status, etc. And while the author Vernadsky does add his own opinions in only a few spots, the book is still very unbiased. So this is an excellent introduction of Medieval Russian history (another is the first half of "Land of the Firebird" by Suzanne Massie.).

Fantastic Book

Simply said, this is a fantastic book for those interested in studying early Russian history. The book is broken up into chapters and sub-headings so that it is clean, organized, and easy to follow. A great place to start for those interested in ancient Russia and should be in ever Russian history enthusiasts book collection.

Strong, supported with evidence

This book is providing all the evidence needed to show that Vernadsky had been one of the leading experts on Russian history. Especially, Russian ancient history. He shows in this book his overall grasp of history of the region as well as appropriate background of the world history. The book seems to make its own conclusions independent of what theories are currently most fashionable evidence be damned. Author is able to make sure reader's interest never wanes while continuing to provide the reader with the best historical perspective and facts, author's knowledge of which is impeccable. Overall a great read, a great depository of facts, yet written in a popular enough manner that allows us to see vernadsky not only as an expert historian but an expert educator as well.

Essential Reading for the student of Russian History.

Vernadsky clearly outlines the trends of the first Russian state. Present here is political, social and economic history, presented in a non-biased, non-ideological way. The parts regarding the dizzying array of alliances, broken promises and internecine struggles of the Russian princes may be a little confusing, but they need not be memorized to understand the general development of Kievan Rus'. This book represents a nice foundation for those who want to understand the development of the Russian nation.