Ivan the Terrible. Boris Godunov. The History of the Reign of the First Russian Tsar and His Chosen Successor

Annotation to the book "Ivan the Terrible. Boris Godunov. The History of the Reign of the First Russian Tsar and His Chosen Successor" by S.F. Platonov: In this book by the outstanding Russian historian, his works dedicated to Ivan the Terrible and Boris Godunov are presented. The first is the greatest ruler and statesman, diplomat, reformer, intelligent, educated, calculating, and brave man. But his personality is extremely complex and contradictory. The author outlines the main moments of the life and activities of Ivan during a very difficult period and some reliable traits of his character and intellect. The second figure is also ambiguous: the personal qualities and deeds of this political figure evoked both praise and condemnation from his contemporaries, often turning into slander. S.F. Platonov managed to see in Boris not only the traits of a dramatic villain but also the qualities of a truly statesman.