The Russian Primary Chronicle: Laurentian Text

What this volume contains is the earliest Slavonic history covering the years from creation to 1110. It is often referred to as 'The Tale of Bygone Years' or 'Tale of Past Years'. Later chronicles like the Nikonian Chronicle simply reuse the information found in the Russian Primary Chronicle. Traditionally the chronicle was attributed to a monk named Nestor but it seems his chronicle was revised by the hegumen Sylvester and this is the version found in the Laurentian codex that is translated in this volume.This chronicle is unique as it is the earliest written testimony of the Russians from their perspective. It has some famous stories like the founding of Kiev by Rurik and the conversion of Saint Vladimir. It also contains some fascinating information on Slavic paganism. The chronicle takes an annalistic format. The Russian histories start from about 850. Some years have more information than others, depending on what happened. Standard entries include battles, natural disasters, dedication of churches and monasteries, marriages and the death of rulers.This is a fantastic work. I was especially interested in how the Russians responded to their conversion to Christianity.

This copy seems to be a reprint of an older edition (common these days) but it is of good quality and easy to read. Great introduction and notes. The Russian Primar Chronicle is one of the few essential primary sources for learning about the Rus' as they (later) saw themselves. Plenty of propaganda, but it makes a very good story. Intriguing details and lots of food for thought. If you like Vikings or are interested in the early history of Eastern Europe, you should read this book.

I just got this book and it’s fascinating. It depicts the origins of Russia and Ukraine as one country Kiev Russia. For someone born & raised in Ukraine, it’s incredible that this writing was not taught in schools there, at least not in 1980’s. I am finally learning origins of my people.

The main text is fine. The low 2-star review relates instead to the unprofessionally handled genealogy section that is a basic reference to this kind of text. It is far below readable standards. See the original at http://www.mgh-bibliothek.de/dokumente/a/a011458.pdf, at p.309 of 325. I did not have time to return this book, but it has been difficult to use. To get five stars, 1. Please add a needed additional page so the genealogy attached will open to make a spreadsheet, as in the original. Whose son was this? Flip the page, squint,flip back, find a ruler, guess. 2. Make the font as large as the page permits. That would be a huge help. The tiny font here requires too much magnification. There is margin room for a decent font size. 3. Copy each side, whether double-sided or with the added page to be set up as a spreadsheet, so the lines match up and look alike: I got one with one side that had black margins and an ugly black corner (lid left up) and the other page is well done and white. (lid was down). And the lines do not match.

This work is fundamental to the history of Russia and the beginning of the Kievan culture.Reading this chronicle helps one understand how the Russian state developed and why itdiffers so much from our own.

I enjoy history but I'm not a professor or historian. So from my perspective I did appreciate that the introductory material of this book discussed the modern view of history through alternate sources and archaeological record. It provided an interesting contrast between what they believed in the 1000s versus what we believe today, and why.

This is the Primary Chronicle for a very inexpensive price. Ten years or so ago, the price was prohibitive.

Exactly what I ordered and needed

I was very impressed with the speed of the shipping and how well cared for the product is. This is a terrific read!