Absolutism and Ruling Class: The Formation of the Russian Political Order, 1700-1825

by John P. LeDonne

Overview

This is the first comprehensive examination of the Russian ruling elite and its political institutions during an important period of state building, from the emergence of Russia on the stage of world politics around 1700 to the consolidation of its position after the victory over Napoleon. Instead of focusing on the great rulers of the period—Peter, Catherine, and Alexander—the work examines the nobility which alone could make their power effective. LeDonne not only gives a full chronological account of the development of bureaucratic, military, economic, and political institutions in Russia during this period, but also skillfully analyzes the ways in which local agencies and the ruling class exercised control and shared power with the absolute monarchs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195068054
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/26/1991
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	6.38(w) x 9.56(h) x 1.38(d)

Editorial Reviews

"LeDonne's painstaking work, based mainly on published primary sources, is an important contribution to the literature. In addition, his lucid chronological account of the various reforms of central and local government institutions, in Part Two of the book, is a useful review, of value to specialist and non-specialist alike."—European History Quarterly

"Formidable....LeDonne's work is not only a fundamental contribution to the literature on Russian politics and administration, but will certainly critically influence analyses of the Imperial regime."—The Slavonic Review

"Very informative and important....Highly recommended."—CHOICE

"This is a large, formidable, and important book."—he Russian Review

From the Publisher