Karamzin’s Memoir on Ancient and Modern Russia: A Translation and Analysis

Russian history was typically studied through liberal or socialist lenses until Richard Pipes first published his translation of Karamzin’s Memoir. Almost fifty years later, it is still the only English-language edition of this classic work. Still fresh and readable today, the Memoir-in which Alexander I’s state historian elaborates his arguments for a strong Russian state-remains the most accessible introduction to the conservatism of Russia’s ancien regime. This annotated translation is a faithful rendition of the letter and spirit of the original, which not only introduces readers to the sweep of Karamzin’s ideas, but also weaves together a fascinating version of Russia’s rich history. With a new foreword by Richard Pipes, Karamzin’s Memoir on Ancient and Modern Russia is a touchstone for anyone interested in Russia’s fascinating and turbulent past.