The Russian Empire and Grand Duchy of Muscovy

Download or read book The Russian Empire and Grand Duchy of Muscovy written by Jacques Margeret and published by University of Pittsburgh Pre. This book was released on 2010-11-23 with total page 253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Translated by Chester S. L. Dunning Jacques Margeret was a mercenary soldier who arrived in Russia in 1600 during the reign of Boris Godunov. For six years he served Boris and his successor Tsar Dmitri Ivanovich, first as co-commander of foreign troops and later as captain of the elite palace guard. Margeret offers a unique first-hand account of the political intrigues of this turbulent time and ponders the question of the pretender's true identity. Writing for the French public, to whom Muscovy was virtually unknown, Margeret also describes Russian geography, climate, flora and fauna, customs, the Russian Orthodox Church, the military, and daily life at court. Dunning has translated the edition first printed in France in 1607 and provided notes identifying obscure references and evaluating the accuracy of Margeret's observations in light of accumulated historical research.