The Rise and Fall of Latin Humanism in Early-Modern Russia: Pagan Authors, Ukrainians, and the Resiliency of Muscovy

This work argues that, between 1650 and 1789, Russia flirted with Western Europe’s Latin humanism. However, all levels of society, especially the nobility, consistently rejected the pagan authors of Latinate culture, propagated by Ukrainian clergy. An examination of the printing industry, Latin teaching and private libraries in Russia, and excursions into the thought of Russia’s enlighteners , demonstrate that Latin authors had little impact on Russia, especially the nobility who were traditionally regarded as the advocate of Western educational and cultural values. This book is intended to contribute to the understanding of the reforms of Peter the Great, of Catherine’s enlightened reputation, of the origins of the intelligentsia and of the cultural ties between Russians and the peoples they annexed in early modern times.