In the year 988, Vladímir, Grand Prince of Kíeff, accepted Christianity for himself and his nation, from Byzantium, and baptized Russia wholesale. Hence his characteristic title in history, "Prince-Saint-equal-to-the-Apostles." His grandmother, Olga, had already been converted to the Greek Church late in life, and had established churches and priests in Kíeff, it is said. Prince Vladímir could have been baptized at home, but he preferred to make the Greek form of Christianity his state rel...

WHO were these Variagi, or Varangians? To what race did they belong? No questions in the early history of Russia are more eagerly debated. After more than a century of controversy, the various views have been reduced to three — The Variagi were of Scandinavian origin, and it was they who gave the name of Russia to the Slav countries. A most weighty argument in support of this theory is the large number of Scandinavian names in the list of Variag princes who reigned in Russia. The Emperor C...

Jean Valjean has a background of a prisoner, but with a new identity he manages to create a career as a factory owner and a mayor.Not everyone is as lucky as Jean Valjean, though. A woman called Fantine has started to work at Jean Valjean's factory, but she soon gets fired due to an illegitimate child. Fantine has no choice – she is forced to to a life of prostitution.Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' is one of the most significant European novels. It takes place in the early ...

Les Miserables (translated variously from French as The Miserable Ones, The Wretched, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, The Victims) (1862) is a novel by French author Victor Hugo, and among the best-known novels of the 19th century. It follows the lives and interactions of several French characters over a twenty year period in the early 19th century that includes the Napoleonic wars and subsequent decades. Excerpted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

"Russian Rambles" by Isabel Florence Hapgood is a captivating exploration of Russia's rich culture and landscapes. Hapgood, an American translator and writer, provides readers with vivid descriptions of her travels through the vast and diverse regions of Russia. Her keen observations and engaging narrative style bring to life the unique customs, traditions, and the everyday lives of the Russian people. The book serves as both a travelogue and a cultural commentary, offering insights into t...

The innumerable questions which have been put to me since my return to America have called to my attention the fact that, in spite of all that has been written about Russia, the common incidents of everyday life are not known, or are known so imperfectly that any statement of them is a travesty. I may cite, as an example, a book published within the past two years, and much praised in America by the indiscriminating as a truthful picture of life. The whole story hung upon the great musical...

Novelist, essayist, dramatist, and philosopher, Count Leo Tolstoy is most famous for his sprawling portraits of nineteenth-century Russian life, as recounted in Anna Karenina and War and Peace. But at the age of fifty, he endured a spiritual crisis that prompted him to seek answers from learned men on "the problem of life." When they were unable to offer solutions, he turned to the study of Christianity. Dazzled by the light of truth that illuminated mankind for more than...

"A Survey of Russian Literature, with Selections" by Isabel Florence Hapgood is a comprehensive exploration of the rich tapestry of Russian literary tradition. Hapgood, a prominent translator and scholar, delves into the works of notable Russian authors, providing insightful commentary and analysis. The book serves as both an introduction for newcomers and a valuable resource for seasoned readers, highlighting the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these literary masterpieces. Th...

Leo Tolstoy's 'What is Art? & Wherein is Truth in Art' explores the complex relationship between art and truth. In this collection of essays on aesthetics and literature, Tolstoy delves into the nature of art, focusing on its ability to convey universal truths and communicate with the audience on a profound level. Through his unique blend of philosophical insight and literary analysis, Tolstoy challenges conventional notions of art and calls for a return to a more authentic and meaningful ...

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (French: Notre-Dame de Paris) is an 1831 French novel written by Victor Hugo. It is set in 1482 in Paris, in and around the cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. The book tells the story of a poor Gypsy girl (La Esmeralda) and a misshapen bell-ringer (Quasimodo) who was raised by the archdeacon (Claude Frollo). The book was written as a statement to preserve the Notre Dame cathedral and not to 'modernize' it, as Hugo was thoroughly against this. Excerpted from Wikip...

Les Misérables, written by Victor Hugo, is an exciting and emotional novel that will transport you to 19th century France. This book is a heart-wrenching story of the fight for justice and redemption that will deeply touch you. You will follow Jean Valjean, a man who was imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, as he seeks redemption through his difficult journey. Similarly, you will meet Cosette, an abandoned young girl searching for her place in the world, and Marius, an idealistic young...

In "Russian Rambles," Isabel Florence Hapgood embarks on a vivid journey through the vast landscapes and cultural intricacies of Russia during the late 19th century. Written with a keen eye for detail and lyrical prose, Hapgood's work transcends mere travelogue; it serves as a rich tapestry weaving together social observations, historical context, and personal reflections. Her narratives are infused with a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the Russian spirit, offering readers a u...