Intentions and Realities in 18th-Century Monarchy: New Insights and Discoveries
Richard Wortman
Intentions and Realities in 18th-Century MonarchyNew Insights Discoveries Richard S. Wortman (bio) The four articles this forum provide glimpses of some the most interesting new scholarship on 18th-century Russian history. topics vary from beards to property inheritance forms philosophy criminal punishment Peter’s controversial succession law. three contributions scholars are sharply focused studies specific questions based intensive archival research, aiming deliver thoughts about themes often discussed but previously only superficially examined. fourth contribution, by a German scholar, is broadly conceived interpretive essay with revisionist intent. Evgenii Akelev an experienced researcher. In review last issue Kritika his deconstruction life thief popular hero Van’ka Kain, Stephen Norris praised Akelev’s rich portrait Moscow, representing “a historical biography.”1 “The Barber All Russia” aims correct “top-down” approach efforts force Russians shave their appear European countenances. Historians, he argues, have findings top-down legislative acts “without in-depth analysis processes which they were implemented” (241) left impression that “policy had been imposed one fell swoop immediate ‘positive’ results” (241). On basis documents, seeks describe process “adaptation” rather than arbitrary compulsion depict Peter more sensitive responses, especially has credited. Accordingly, challenges vivid even comedic views reform such as given Viktor Zhivov. He endeavors clarify [End Page 361] tsar’s intentions, show variation implementation policies different regions, “to demonstrate development decree beard shaving was closely associated public sentiment” (242). Peter, contends, “attended carefully mood population, tried control, making concessions, sometimes stifling reform, occasionally rescinding commands” determine “how it managed carry out harsh compulsory reforms cultural sphere, spite existing church prohibitions, without facing serious resistance” His second edition History Swedish War, clearly expressed examples officials’ correspondence, makes clear wished countenance all subjects resemble people encountered West, assumed resemblance would advance broader intellectual institutional transformation. shows pacing reveals much attitudes methods implementation. began preparation for prohibition early October 1698, when internal circular provided minting tokens be those who paid fee privilege keeping beards. Minting at time, records Police Chancellery list no funds collected source before 1705. argues used interim convince publicize. outcry over ordering adoption Western dress indicates, author suggests, measured, practical approach. Rather image impulsive, angry tsar grabbing clipping beards, we witness patiently displaying preference clean shaving. interim, prepared population official promulgation A three-day “didactic” banquet occasion wedding reception court jester Fiofilakt Shanskii 1702 gave striking dramatization changes envisioned, contrast old attire new, participation women festivity—an episode scenario—enshrined Adriaan Schoonebeck’s engravings. Between 1698 1705, rumors circulated impending change injunction prohibited describes “an array possible behavioral strategies” (252)—Peter servitors’ while revealed growing uncertainty debates, transcending social barriers, took place the...
Kritika