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.

Historical study of political aspects of the land tenure system in the USSR and intergroup relations between rural worker societies (communes) and political party organisations (rural soviets) leading to the onset of the collective economy in agriculture. Bibliography pp. 239 to 247, references and statistical tables.

The essays in this collection explore the social 'construction' of the Russian peasantry in the period between Emancipation and Collectivisation, and the impact of these constructions on Tsarist and Bolshevik agrarian policy. The international group of authors represent different trends in the historical, sociological and geographical investigations of the East European peasantry and draw both upon the insights of cultural studies and recently available archival materials to throw new light on the relationship between peasantry and other classes.

The essays in this collection explore the social construction of the Russian peasantry in the period between Emancipation and Collectivization, and the impact of these constructions on Tsarist and Bolshevik agrarian policy. The international group of authors represent different trends in the historical, sociological and geographical investigations of the East European peasantry and draw upon the insights of cultural studies and recently-available archival materials in an effort to throw new light on the relationship between peasantry and other classes.