Without exception, all of the essays in this collection are eminently readable and each provides keen insights into Russian society and history. . . . Will fascinate general readers, students of all ages, social historians, and anyone interested in Russian history. . . . Useful as a supplemental text in college-level courses in Russian history, as well as social history and anthropology courses.

Boris Segel, History In Review

Historians of Anglo-Russian relations and Protestantism in early nineteenth century Russia will find much of interest here.

Susan Smith-Peter, The Russian Review

There is much to recommend this slim volume for the general public aware of only the most basic details of imperial Russian social history. Worobec has done a splendid job of editing the book and has provided each chapter with a useful abstract, set of questions, and suggested readings that are mostly in English. Additionally, each contribution is brief and written in a lively and engaging style. . . . As a whole, this volume succeeds in placing Imperial Russia within the human tradition.

Canadian Slavonic Papers

Benefiting from a treasure-trove of archival sources, these twelve wide-ranging analyses offer abundant insights into individual and collective lives under tsardom. The volume showcases the ample intellectual rewards of intertwining personal narratives with national policies and imperial aspirations.

Helena Goscilo, University of Pittsburgh

Some of the most important issues of Imperial Russian history are best illustrated by looking carefully at aspects and episodes of everyday life. In this superb collection, well-known scholars explore the Russian 'human condition' in fascinating and informative detail. Christine Worobec has provided us with a marvelous teaching tool as well as a volume of first-rate scholarship.

William G. Rosenberg, University of Michigan