“Beginning with a rather impressionistic but distinctly readable sketch of the rise and advance of Russia from the earliest times, Mr. Pares, with the emancipation of the serfs, enters into a detailed study which is really worthy of comparison with Mackenzie Wallace’s great book. Like Wallace, Mr. Pares evidently knows his Russia thoroughly, and his Russian in every walk of life. The geographical and economic aspects of the country, the governmental system, the educational facilities, the home life of the noble and the peasant, the literature that has been produced and the men who have produced it—all this and much more is expounded by him in a way that is equally interesting and authoritative.”—Outlook.
“We have many faults to find, but they do not affect the value of the work.”
| + + − | Ath. 1907, 1: 439. Ap. 13. 500w. |
“In our opinion, Mr. Pares would have added to the value of his work by more concentration and by resolutely leaving on one side those matters which have already been adequately dealt with by other authorities.”
| + + − | Lond. Times. 6: 131. Ap. 26, ’07. 1360w. |
“On the whole, it may be said that he has succeeded in gaining a place close to Wallace and to Leroy-Beaulieu’s ‘Empire des Tsars.’ In its range, method, and adequacy of knowledge and insight, it is certainly the best account that the Russian liberation movement which began in 1904, has brought forth.”
| + + − | Nation. 85: 332. O. 10, ’07. 680w. |
“For all who wish to broaden their knowledge of a highly complex question Mr. Pares’s volume may be recommended as a safe guide.”
| + + | N. Y. Times. 12: 615. O. 12, ’07. 480w. |