"This volume surveys nineteenth century Russian society and economy and finds that Russian institutions, practices and ideas fit the general European pattern for that period of rapid change. Even apparently distinctive Russian features deepen our understanding of "Europeaness." In the nineteenth century there were still many different ways to be European, and excessive generalization based on the experiences of one or two countries obscures the great diversity that still characterized European civilization. Moreover, these essays bring to light several points at which Russian legislation and thinking provided models and examples for others to follow. The authors focus on key elements of how Russians envisaged and constructed their economy and society."--Jacket.