Russia, 1762-1825: Military Power, the State and the People (Studies in Military History and International Affairs) Hardcover – 28 Feb 2008

Review

"In this splendidly documented study of the relationship between the Russian armed forces and society in the years 1762-1825, Hartley successfully challenges the idea that Russia became a "garrison state." Her book will be required reading by those interested in the modernization of Russia."-Isabel de Madariaga, Emeritus Professor of Russian Studies in the University of London, School of Slavonic and East European Studies

"Janet Hartley's work is a thoughtful and deeply informed study of the "sinews of Russian power" in the period when Russia was widely seen as possessing Europe's most formidable military machine. It also looks closely at the impact of war and military power on Russian state and society. Even historians of Russia will learn much from this book. For non-Russianists it will be a crucial source of new information but also a stimulating and often surprising aid to thoughtful comparisons about military power, modernization, and the militarization of society in eighteenth and nineteenth-century Europe."-Dominic Lieven, Professor London School of Economics

"[W]e have every reason to welcome Janet M. Hartley's new book, which covers considerable ground." -

American Historical Review

"In her by now customary manner Janet Hartley has produced another book that is rich in detail, sensible in analysis, and attentive to the careful reconstruction of historical events. Lucidly written and extensively documented, "Russia, 1762-1825" explores the development of Russian military power with reference to state-building and the cost to society. . . . Hartley ends her book with an enlightening and original discussion of the military colonies established by Alexander I and abolished by his successor, Nicholas I. . . . Defeat in the Crimean War showed that Russia's military might could not be sustained without significant economic and social change. Yet until the 1850s Russia remained stable and militarily powerful despite the revolutionary upheavals affecting other parts of Europe. Thanks to the hard work of Janet Hartley, scholars have an intelligent account of why this was so." -

The Russian Review

"In many respects, Hartley's examination is a fascinating one. . . Hartley offers an important new consideration of the significance of the Russian military in the society that sustained it during a crucial period." -

Slavic Review

"Hartley (London School of Economics) puts this significant period of Russian history into perspective by focusing on the connections between the economic growth of Russia and the Russian military. . . . A worthy addition to any academic library. . . . Recommended. All levels/libraries." -

Choice

"In her by now customary manner Janet Hartley has produced another book that is rich in detail, sensible in analysis, and attentive to the careful reconstruction of historical events. Lucidly written and extensively documented, "Russia, 1762-1825" explores the development of Russian military power with reference to state-building and the cost to society. . . . Hartley ends her book with an enlightening and original discussion of the military colonies established by Alexander I and abolished by his successor, Nicholas I. . . . Defeat in the Crimean War showed that Russia's military might could not be sustained without significant economic and social change. Yet until the 1850s Russia remained stable and militarily powerful despite the revolutionary upheavals affecting other parts of Europe. Thanks to the hard work of Janet Hartley, scholars have an intelligent account of why this was so." - The Russian Review

"Hartley (London School of Economics) puts this significant period of Russian history into perspective by focusing on the connections between the economic growth of Russia and the Russian military. . . . A worthy addition to any academic library. . . . Recommended. All levels/libraries." - Choice

"[W]e have every reason to welcome Janet M. Hartley's new book, which covers considerable ground." - American Historical Review

"In many respects, Hartley's examination is a fascinating one. . . Hartley offers an important new consideration of the significance of the Russian military in the society that sustained it during a crucial period." - Slavic Review

About the Author

Janet M. Hartley is Professor of International History and Pro Director at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is the author and editor of many books and articles on Russian history and Anglo-Russian relations in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centiuries. Her books include: Alexander I (1994), A Social History of the Russian Empire, 1650-1825 (1999), and Charles Whitworth: Diplomat in the Age of Peter the Great (2002). She has also written extensively on the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Russia.