This is the first book to place Russia's 'long' eighteenth century squarely in its European context. The conceptual framework is set out in an opening critique of modernisation which, while rejecting its linear implications, maintains its focus on the relationship between government, economy and society. Following a chronological introduction, a series of thematic chapters (covering topics such as finance and taxation, society, government and politics, culture, ideology, and economy) emphasise the ways in which Russia's international ambitions as an emerging great power provoked administrative and fiscal reforms with wide-ranging (and often unanticipated) social consequences. This thematic analysis allows Simon Dixon to demonstrate that the more the tsars tried to modernise their state, the more backward their empire became. A chronology and critical bibliography are also provided to allow students to discover more about this colourful period of Russian history.

‘ … a bold, ambitious attempt at an new interpretation of a key period in Russian history … nobody will make the acquaintance of this pathfinding work without deriving not only the benefit offered by a large amount of pertinent information but also a healthy stimulus towards a deeper understanding of one of the most crucial processes in Russian history.’

Source: Europe - Asia Studies

‘The author … synthesizes a huge amount of recent scholarship in several languages with insight and wit … this learned gem of a book should find many readers at all levels of sophistication.’

Source: The Russian Review

‘ … an excellent analytical account of a colourful period in Russian history; and is accessible to undergraduates of European and Russian history, as well as to the more specialist reader.’

Source: History Now

‘… should be added forthwith to the reading lists of both general surveys of European history and Russian special courses.’

Lindsey Hughes Source: English Historical Review

‘He combines a balanced and comprehensive analysis of conflicting interpretations of Russian cultural and social development … with a well-written narrative and clear conclusions.’

Dominic Lieven Source: Slavonic and East European Review