Vladimir Volkoff (1932–2005)

This is a biography/history of the Christianizer of Rus' who lived in the 10th century. The author uses as many sources as he can and tries to reconcile the dates, differences, and gaps that these ancient manuscripts present. He uses not only Russian annals, but also Byzantine, Arabic ones, as well as Scandinavian sagas. When there are conflicting versions of events, he tries to present the history based on what is most likely, but doesn't NOT explain his reasoning. Overall, it is a show more fascinating look at a grand figure in Russian history and heroic tales.

Volkoff does stray from a purely academic study by imagining Vladimir's thoughts at various times and events which no one could possibly know, however this technique did tend to make the figure of the man seem more concrete and alive. He also spent a great deal of time proclaiming a religious justification (rather than political) for Vladimir's decision to Christianize the country which became somewhat preachy.

At the same time that I was reading this book, I was reading the first volume of Boris Akunin's "History of the Russian State" [Istoriia rossiiskogo gosudarstva] which is a wonderful introduction to the beginnings of the Russian state up until the Mongol invasion (13th century). Akunin, like Volkoff, did much research into primary sources and annals, and presents an epic overview of the origins, growth, as well as the important leaders of the early Russian state (Rus'). It was nice to read this as background for the more detailed study by Volkoff of one leader during this time. I've ordered the 2nd volume, but due to COVID-19, it may be awhile until my interlibrary order will come in. show less

50c @charity shop 30.4.2011

En torno al Vaticano se desarrolla una trama con agentes del KGB, mafiosos y el declive y descomposición de la Unión Soviética como paisaje de fondo. Irónico, sutil e ingenioso, el retrato de los personajes consigue el desarrollo de una trama realista, en la que el ritmo, manejado de forma magistral, no deja lugar posible a la monotonía. El lector se sentirá, de esta manera, atrapado en medio de una historia de la que no podrá salir hasta pasar la última página del libro.

Bien écrit, en respectant une époque tellement romanesque qu'elle en est fictionesque (?)... Mais le thème de la légitimité et de l'usurpation est l'un dès grand thème de la culture...