Revised and expanded, the second edition of this fascinating study surveys the first two centuries of Romanov rule from the foundation of the dynasty by Michael Romanov in 1613 to the accession of Alexander I in 1801.

The central theme of the book is the growth of absolutism in Russia throughout these years, and it traces in detail how the Russian variety of what was a contemporary European phenomenon came fully into being.

• Cover 2
• Half Title 3
• Title Page 5
• Copyright Page 6
• Table of Contents 7
• Preface to the First Edition 10
• Preface to the Second Edition 11
• List of maps 12
• Chapter one Introduction – Reconstruction under the Romanovs: Michael, 1613–1645 13
• Chapter two New foundations: from Alexis to the Regent Sophie, 1645–1689 42
• Chapter three The new structure: Peter the Great, 1689–1725 77
• Chapter four Renovation and the extension: Anna, Elizabeth and others, 1725–1761 124
• Chapter five Enlightened completion: Peter III and Catherine the Great, 1761–1796 157
• Chapter six Improvement or deterioration?: Paul (1796–1801) and sons: Conclusion 205
• Select bibliography 236