Medieval Russia's Epics, Chronicles, and Tales

By Serge A. Zenkovsky and Serge Zehkovsky

Book Overview

First published in 1963, this unique and pioneering anthology has been continuously used as an invaluable text in Russian studies. Containing over sixty selections from the finest of Russia's medieval authors, much of the material published in this anthology has never before been available in English. Medieval Russian Epics, Chronicles, and Tales is a vital resource for readers interested in learning more about the writings that influenced Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov. Editor Serge A. Zenkovsky completely revised the text and enlarged the book, adding almost one hundred pages of new material, including- Sviatoslav's Early Campaigns The Siege of Kiev and Olga's Death Vladimir Monomakh- Instruction to His Children Tale of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander Narrative of the Pious Prince Dovmont and His Courage The Writing of Daniil the Prisoner Orison on the Life and Death of Grand Prince Dmitry Ivanovich Afanasy Nikitin's Journey Across Three Seas Ivan Funikov- Message of a Nobleman to a Nobleman Epic of Sukhan Simeon Polotsky- Excerpt from Ode on the Birth of Peter I Simeon Polotsky- The Law Simeon Polotsky- The Merchant Class Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich- The Rules of Falconry In addition to a comprehensive introduction, the editor has prefaced each selection with detailed information about its literary and historical background, and has included a glossary and brief chronology of Russian history and culture.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452010861
• ISBN13: 9780452010864
• Release Date: May 1974
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.3" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly Good Reading

I was actually surprised how much I'm enjoying this. I've always loved Russian history and have always scrounged about looking for whatever I could find to satisfy my yen for all things Russian. When I ran across this book, I figured I'd give it a try & didn't really place high hopes on it. I'm glad I have it! My father picked it up & almost didn't give it back to me! And two other friends of mine seem to want copies. It's written rather well & explains things concisely without going over the reader's head - all while being interesting, historical, and fun. It's just a good read.

Rich Overview of Medieval Russian Literature

This compendium of medieval Russian literature is an amazing collection. It has excerpts or the entire texts of almost every famous piece of writing and rhetoric from this time period, all in one place and translated into English, which is helpful for those wanting to learn more about Kievan Rus' culture from primary sources. This is a must-own for those studying medieval Russian history and culture.

"Brethren and warriors! It is better to be killed in battle than to become a captive."

Who would've thought that many of Kievan Russia's chronicles, tales, and epic poems would be in this one book? Brilliant! The texts seem almost ethereal and fluid like the Finnish epic, The Kalevala. Many of the poems and chronicles, including "Epic of Sukhan", deal mostly of Orthodox Christianity, hierarchy, the military, and way of life. Meanwhile, the epics, including "The Lay of Igor's Campaign" consist of religious prophets, quests, and war. Some poems and chronicles tend to drag a bit, but nonetheless, this book is for lovers of Russian culture (and for those who are introducing themselves to Russian culture).