Thomas Calnan Sorenson

Reflections on a Russian Statesman Thomas Calnan Sorenson

Konstantin P. Pobedonostsev is a major figure in Russian history late in the 19th century and into the 20th. He was a conservative thinker with significant influence on the policies of the imperial government. His ideology was grounded in the conservative philosophy of western Europe. He applied that philosophy to Russia and argued against any significant change in Russia's system of government. As Over Procurator of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church he developed a system of parish schools that was a significant part of Russia's educational system. As a conservative populist he stressed the supposed bond between the Russian people, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Russian autocracy. He had a decisive influence on the policies of Tsar Alexander III after the assassination of Alexander II. Understanding Pobedonostsev is crucial to any understanding of the history of late imperial Russia. This book is based on research in libraries and archives in Russia. It can be a valuable resource for accessing archival material not available outside Russia.