The Beginning and End of the Pugachev Uprising

Author: Pushkin (Russia), translated by Li Yujun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-03-01
Features: This book is the most comprehensive and systematic historical work on the Pugachev Uprising. When Pushkin wrote it, 60 years had passed since the Pugachev Uprising. During this time, due to Catherine the Great's decree prohibiting any discussion of the uprising, no one had studied it, and the true facts had gradually faded from memory. Based on extensive archival research and broad social surveys, Pushkin wrote this book. Originally, he intended to write a novel, but after being granted permission to access archives in the Ministry of War, he discovered the abundance and detail of the materials, which inspired him to write a historical work. To prepare for this book, Pushkin made significant efforts—"he carefully read all books and articles related to Pugachev, along with various manuscripts, orders, reports, and so on, in thick octavo volumes." He personally traveled to the sites of the uprising, visited " elderly witnesses who were still alive," and conducted a "cautious" analysis and refutation of the "often contradictory, exaggerated, and sometimes entirely false accounts." After completing the work, Pushkin remarked, "I abandoned fiction and conscientiously fulfilled the duties of a historian." He also said, "A mere 168-page work took two years." Pushkin poured a great deal of effort into writing this book. When readers open this book, they will see that the author has used many valuable primary sources.