A life under Russian serfdom : : memoirs of Savva Dmitrievich Purlevskii, 1800-1868 / / translated and edited by Boris B. Gorshkov.

• Author: Purlevskii, Savva Dmitrievich, 1800-1868.
• TeilnehmendeR: Gorshkov, Boris B.
• Year of Publication: 2005
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (128 p.)
• Notes: Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

This is a translation of one of very few Russian serfs' memoirs. Savva Purlevskii recollects his life in Russian serfdom and life of his grandparents, parents, and fellow villagers. He describes family and communal life and the serfs' daily interaction with landlords and authorities. Purlevskii came from an initially prosperous family that later became impoverished. Early in his childhood, he lost his father. Purlevskii did not have a chance to gain a formal education. He lived under serfdom until 1831 when at the age of 30 he escaped his servitude.Gorshkov's introduction provides some basic knowledge about Russian serfdom and draws upon the most recent scholarship. Notes provide references and general information about events, places and people mentioned in the memoirs.

Table of Contents

Our village, its inhabitants and owners -- My grandfather -- Myself, my childhood, and my family -- And my adult life began -- My marriage, my landlord, my trade, and other things -- Life outside the village observed -- The bitterness of serfdom realized -- My activities in estate life -- My future fate resolved -- Epilogue.