Compilation of translated texts of historical documents tracing the process by which rural workers in Russia CAME to be legally enserfed in the 17th century - covers the legal status of peasants, the social status of landowners, relevant aspects of forced labour, land tenure, ownership, taxation, etc., and includes comments on relevant legislation. Literature survey pp. 164 to 167.

In 1649 a Code of Laws was issued in Moscow completing, at least in law, the process of enserfment of the Russian peasantry. This book illustrates this process with fifty-six documents of the twelfth to seventeenth centuries. They relate mainly to the central and northern area of European Russia known, in the sixteenth century, as Muscovy. An introductory note prefaces each document, placing it in context and giving its source. An introduction partly contributed by Professor Rodney Hilton discusses enserfment in Eastern and Western Europe and explains why these particular documents were chosen. There is a glossary explaining the main technical terms found in the text. The book deals with a topic of major historical importance and makes a collection of documents, often of intrinsic interest, accessible to English readers.

A Stanford University Press classic.

This impressive work, set to become the standard history on the subject, offers a definitive survey of peasant society in Russia, from the consolidation of serfdom and tsarist autocracy in the 17th century through to the destruction of the peasant's traditional world under Stalin. Over three-quarters of Russian society were peasants in these years, and David Moon explores all aspects of their life xxx; including the rural economy, peasant households, village communities xxx; and their political role, including protest against the landowning elites. In the process he presents a fresh perspective on the history of Russia itself. A big book in every way xxx; and compellingly readable.