From Peasant Women to Empresses: Women in the History of Russia

Peasant women, outstanding politicians, intellectuals, revolutionaries, and nihilists. Their voices have resonated throughout history – quietly or loudly, but always confidently. They were celebrated in folk songs, legends were composed about them, cults were established in their honor, holidays were named after them, and streets were named for them. In one way or another, women have left their mark on history forever.

In an effort to reveal the details of the collective portrait of women from different eras – from the ancient Russian peasant woman to Empress Catherine II, from the first princesses of the 10th century to the wives of the Decembrists and nihilists of the 19th century – Liz Gruel-Aper offers her unique perspective on the life of Russian women. In this book, you will learn not only about the social and legal status of women but also about the numerous prejudices and challenges that women faced throughout different periods of Russian history.