The Rise and Fall of Latin Humanism in Early-Modern Russia

The Rise and Fall of Latin Humanism in Early-Modern Russia 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 the Ukrainian clergy. An examination of the printing industry, of Latin teaching, of private libraries in Russia, and excursions into the thought of Russia's "enlighteners," demonstrate that Latin authors had little impact on Russia and its nobility that was traditionally regarded as the advocate of Western educational and cultural values. The book contributes to our 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.