Taming the Wild Field: Colonization and Empire on the Russian Steppe

Taming the Wild Field delves into the complex history of the European steppe, a region that has played diverse roles in the Russian imagination over centuries. From the 'wild field' inhabited by nomadic peoples to a land of economic promise and cultural prowess, the steppe's evolution is chronicled through the perspectives of administrators, Cossack adventurers, missionaries, and more. The book emphasizes the comparative approach to history, drawing parallels with the North American case to highlight the dynamic process of Russian expansion and colonization. /n/n The narrative also expresses concern for the environmental impact of this expansion, culminating in the initiation of a conservation movement in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. Through a rich tapestry of historical accounts and cultural insights, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the steppe's significance in shaping Russian identity and the global landscape of grasslands.