David Moon Knihy

Focusing on the evolution of peasant society in Russia, this comprehensive history spans from the establishment of serfdom in the 17th century to the upheaval under Stalin. David Moon delves into various facets of peasant life, including the rural economy, household dynamics, and village communities, while also examining their political significance and resistance against landowning elites. The work offers a fresh perspective on Russian history, making it both substantial and engaging for readers.

Written in an engaging and accessible manner, this work traces the origins of the abolition of serfdom. It also shows how the reform process linked the old social, economic and political order of 18th-century Russia with the radical transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The book offers an in-depth analysis of the abolition of serfdom in Russia, framing it as a gradual process rather than a singular event. It explores the origins of this significant change starting in 1762 and its completion by 1907, drawing on recent research from both Russian and Western historians. The text is enhanced by previously untranslated documents, a glossary, a chronology, and recommendations for further reading, making it both engaging and accessible for readers interested in Russian history.

Between the 1870s and 1930s, there were transfers of people, plants, agricultural sciences, and techniques from Russia's steppes to the similar environment of North America's Great Plains. Drawing on archival research in the US, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, this book explores the unexpected Russian roots of Great Plains agriculture.