The Russian Nobility in the Age of Alexander I

Patrick O’Meara draws on extensive research to offer a highly informative, richly detailed, and expertly curated history of the Russian nobility during the reign of Alexander I … O’Meara’s thoroughly insightful guide to the Alexandrine period in Russian social and political history is a welcome addition to the library of any scholar interested in the history of Russia in the nineteenth century. * The Russian Review *
[In] the course of O’Meara’s excellent analysis of the legal status, education, state service and political struggles of the Russian nobility, as well as their relationship with Alexander I, he gives us a wealth of evidence of this nobility’s diversity by providing rich descriptions of its differing segments and factions. It is an enlightening and engaging piece of scholarship. * European Review of History: Revue européenne d'histoire *
It has been said that 1848 was a turning point when Europe “failed to turn.” Russia reached a similar juncture under Alexander I. For a brief moment, it seemed that the Tsar, supported by a minority of progressive nobles, might free the serfs, issue a constitution, and enable Russia’s successful entry into the modern age. Why this did not happen is the subject of this outstandingly researched and argued book. Weaving together noble society and culture, provincial and imperial politics, and the debates among the Russian elite, Patrick O’Meara provides a masterful interpretation of early 19th century Russia that is both stimulating to the expert and accessible to the novice. * Alexander Martin, Professor of History, University of Notre Dame, US *
Based on extensive sources, including memoirs and local archives, this is an authoritative account which explains the role played by nobles in the Russian Empire, the flawed policies of Alexander I, and the subsequent parting of the ways between the Tsar and the educated noble elite by the end of his reign. It will become the standard work on the subject. * Janet Hartley, Professor of International History, London School of Economics and Political Science *
A commanding work of synthesis, this volume offers a dispassionate, richly textured portrait of the Russian nobility, this amorphous, hugely diverse and layered, at once supine and self-important estate, whose historical responsibility has divided historians. O’Meara deftly surveys the territory, taking the reader into a lucid and comprehensive analysis of political culture in the age of Alexander I, while also allowing the voices of contemporaries to speak directly to us. This surely will be a lasting work of reference. * Professor Andreas Schonle, Head of the School of Modern Languages, University of Bristol *
In this fundamental work all aspects of the history of the Russian nobility of the first quarter of the XIX century are considered. The work is based on extensive documentary material, in particular, archival documents found by the author in the central metropolitan and provincial archives. A great creative success is the author's approach to the presentation of the material: the book combines generalizing conclusions and various cases that demonstrate the diversity of the fates of the nobility. In general, we can say that the book Patrick O’Meara will be a very significant event in the history of the study of the Russian nobility. * Elena Marasinova, Professor at the Higher School of Economics, Institute of Russian History, Russian Academy of Sciences *
This book gives us a persuasive, vivid and extensive exposition of its specified subject. It is an impressive scholarly achievement and will be required reading for those interested in Russia in the early nineteenth century. It is also well written, a good read, and a well-produced volume. * Journal of European Studies *
Patrick O’Meara informs us that the aim of his book ‘is to offer its readers a densely textured social and political portrait of the Russian nobility’ during the reign of Alexander I. The work succeeds admirably in this regard. * European History Quarterly *
O'Meara's work offers a broad and articulated picture of the nobility ... It is undoubtedly a major advance on previous research and may also be the starting point for future historical and legal studies. * Journal of Constitutional History *
In today’s world of seemingly infinite access to information, this is precisely the sort of book that seasoned scholars and advanced students need (and want) to read. Indeed, for anyone beginning a project on the Russian nobility or the age of Alexander I, O’Meara’s study is a productive place to start ... Put simply and unequivocally, O’Meara’s book is a delight to read. * History *
The Russian Nobility in the Age of Alexander I is a very well-written scholarly work that paints a political portrait of the Russian nobility during the reign of Alexander I. … This book can be highly recommended to anyone with an interest in any of these topics. * International Journal of Russian Studies *