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Muscovy and the Mongols

Cross-Cultural Influences on the Steppe Frontier, 1304–1589

Donald Ostrowski author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:23rd Apr '98

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A 1998 study of the impact of the Mongols on the Rus lands using a broad and extensive source base.

In examining the Mongol influence on Muscovy, Donald Ostrowski places Muscovy in the context of world history. In this 1998 book, he discusses the different cultures which influenced its development and shows that the ecclesiastical and secular establishments were affected by two dominant influences: Byzantium and the Qipchaq Khanate.The importance of the Mongols' impact on the Rus lands has been recognised by many scholars, but its precise nature and extent is very contentious. While diverse opinions exist on the origins and development of Muscovy, the author argues that no society arises ex nihilo and that Muscovy is no exception. In this 1998 book, Donald Ostrowski considers the outside origins and influences, as well as indigenous origins and development, in order that the reader may gain a clearer understanding of Muscovy as a political entity, its political institutions and political culture. He shows that during the early period of Muscovy (1304–1448) the ecclesiastical and secular institutions were affected by two different outside influences, Byzantium and the Qipchaq Khanate, respectively. In considering these outside influences, he has set out to study Muscovy as an integral and important part of world history.

'… an invaluable book … It raises the level of debate, and it brings together into a coherent argument a vast amount of disparate scholarship in many disciplines to illumine a difficult area in history … Future writing on this topic will have to engage with Ostrowski's analysis one way or another.' Reviews in History
'This is a book which makes a significant contribution, and its arguments are well worth pondering.' English Historical Review
' … a solid, thoroughly researched work on a major and often contentious topic. It is an important addition not just to Russian-Mongol imperial history, but to Eurasian and comparative studies as well.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History

ISBN: 9780521590853

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 24mm

Weight: 680g

346 pages