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Ivan the Terrible

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( 63 ratings, 8 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Ivan IV Vasiljevich the Terrible was the Grand Prince since 1533 and the first Russian Tsar from 1547. He expanded Russia's territories by conquering the Kazan and Astrakhan Khans and initiated harsh internal policies like the oprichnina, a secret police force notorious for brutal repression. His reign was marked by bloody violence and forced peasantry enslavement, yet he centralized power, reducing church and noble influence to strengthen the Russian state. Ivan also engaged in the Livonian War and established trade relations with England, notably incorporating Siberia into Russia. This biography explores whether he was both a shrewd statesman and a ruthless despot, ultimately portraying his rule as a pivotal chapter in Russia's emergence as a modern empire.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$23200

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

History enthusiasts and students interested in Russian history, political power dynamics, and biographies of complex historical figures will find this book valuable. Suitable for those seeking a readable yet scholarly examination of Ivan the Terrible's reign.

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Presenting a re-assessment of Ivan the Terrible, this work examines the ways in which his policies contributed to the creation of Russia's distinctive system of unlimited monarchical rule. It argues that the often gruesome forms assumed by the terror reflected not only his personal cruelty and sadism, but also his religious views.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Ivan the Terrible by Maureen Perrie and Andrei Pavlov provides a compelling examination of Ivan IV Vasiljevich, known as the Terrible. Ascending to power as Grand Prince in 1533 and later becoming the first Russian Tsar in 1547, he was the son of Vasili III. Ivan's reign was marked by significant achievements, notably the conquest of Kazan Khan in 1552 and Astrakhan Khan in 1556. These conquests expanded Russian territory significantly.

Ivan the Terrible is also known for introducing "the oprichnina" in 1565, a select group of enforcers notorious for their acts of terror against those Ivan disliked. His domestic policy was characterised by harsh repression and increased serfdom, leading to the strengthening of peasant enslavement.

On the international stage, Ivan participated in the Livonian War from 1558 to 1583 and forged commercial connections with England. A pivotal achievement of his reign was the annexation of Siberia into the Russian State, which played a crucial role in Russia’s expansion.

Was Ivan truly a sane and successful ruler? This analysis suggests that Ivan was a calculating statesman, recognising that the allegiance to the church and boyars needed to be replaced by unwavering loyalty to himself and the consolidation of centralised power to ensure the growth and stability of the Russian Empire. Despite the extreme violence in both his public and private lives, Ivan's rule ultimately heralded a successful era for Russia.

Series: Profiles In Power

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  • Ivan the Terrible
    Ivan the Terrible by Maureen Perrie and Andrei Pavlov provides a compelling examination of Ivan IV Vasiljevich, known as the Terrible. Ascending to power as Grand Prince in 1533 and later becoming the first Russian Tsar in 1547, he was the son of Vasili III. Ivan's reign was marked by significant achievements, notably the conquest of Kazan Khan in 1552...
    Paperback
    $23200
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

'This succinct volume now sets the standard by which all future "short" syntheses of Ivan's reign will be judged. This is far and away the most readable survey of Ivan's reign in print in English.'

'Andrei Pavlov and Maureen Perrie have produced an excellent and very welcome biography of the fascinating and elusive Ivan the Terrible, combining horror and sensational cruelty with rigorous scholarship and an original argument.'

'A work appealing to both specialists and nonspecialists, providing much food for thought about the intriguing reign of Ivan the Terrible.'

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780582099487

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 August 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Longman

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 450g

Pages: 244

About the Author

Perrie, Maureen; Pavlov, Andrei

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