Medieval Russia’s Epics, Chronicles, and Tales: Revised and Enlarged Edition

First published in 1963, this unique and pioneering anthology has been continuously used as an invaluable text in Russian studies. Containing over sixty selections from the finest of Russia’s medieval authors, much of the material published in this anthology has never before been available in English. Medieval Russian Epics, Chronicles, and Talesis a vital resource for readers interested in learning more about the writings that influenced Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov.

Editor Serge A. Zenkovsky completely revised the text and enlarged the book, adding almost one hundred pages of new material, including-

Sviatoslav’s Early Campaigns

The Siege of Kiev and Olga’s Death

Vladimir Monomakh- Instruction to His Children

Tale of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander

Narrative of the Pious Prince Dovmont and His Courage

The Writing of Daniil the Prisoner

Orison on the Life and Death of Grand Prince Dmitry Ivanovich

Afanasy Nikitin’s Journey Across Three Seas

Ivan Funikov- Message of a Nobleman to a Nobleman

Epic of Sukhan

Simeon Polotsky- Excerpt from Ode on the Birth of Peter I

Simeon Polotsky- The Law

Simeon Polotsky- The Merchant Class

Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich- The Rules of Falconry

In addition to a comprehensive introduction, the editor has prefaced each selection with detailed information about its literary and historical background, and has included a glossary and brief chronology of Russian history and culture.