Orthodox Russia

“Orthodox Russia resituates the study of Russian Orthodox culture within the history of lived experience—something that scholars would not have attempted a generation ago. With essays by some of the finest historians working on Russian Orthodox culture, the book demonstrates how the field has become an ever more integral part of wider cultural studies.” —Stephen K. Batalden, Arizona State University

“Although the editors also claim the authority of the archives, only one essay rests extensively on new documents. Nevertheless, each of these works is filled with a wealth of interesting information and insight, even the epilogue, which may teach readers more about the Western church than the Eastern. Despite footnotes intended to make them accessible to non-specialists, these essays, both in style and content, are extremely academic, and the bibliography alone makes the book a valuable scholarly asset.” —E.A. Cole, Choice

“The series of essays in this book are written by some of the best scholars in the field of Russian religion and culture.” —Ellen Gvosdev, Journal of Church and State

“This volume breaks fresh ground in the study of Orthodoxy in Russia. In fact, Valerie A. Kivelson and Robert H. Greene’s compilation provides a good barometer on the study of Russian Orthodoxy in the American academy. Fortunately, the news is good—these chapters show great nuance and depth.” —Roy R. Robson, Slavic Review

“This collection of essays edited by Valerie A. Kivelson and Robert H. Greene adds to the growing literature on Russian religious life, with a particularly welcome focus on the pre-revolutionary phase from the mid-fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries.” —Gregory L. Freeze, American Historical Review

“The stimulating essays in this book should give folklorists food for thought.” —Faith Wigzell, Folklorica

“This book is a must reading for those interested in the history of religion and culture in Russia.” —Lilya Berezhnaya, Cahiers du Monde Russe

“This excellent collection provides both generalist and specialized essays about revelatory aspects of Russian Orthodoxy. . . . Using a variety of methods, they shed light on the complex and variegated practices and beliefs that have shaped Russian Orthodoxy over the past thousand years.” —Michael Wolfe, Religious Studies Review