Troubles by S.F. Platonov Sergey

¶ … Troubles by S.F. Platonov

Sergey Platonov, one of Russia's greatest historians, focused his studies on particular episodes in his country's history that he believed were not given sufficient attention previous to his endeavor. Although he did not actually live in the time period lasting from the fall of the Rurik Dynasty and until the rise of the Romanov Dynasty, Platonov was qualified to emphasis the topic, especially given that he witnessed the clash between the social classes from the time of the Russian Revolution. The Platonov family's background as a typical Muscovite lineage contributes to S.F. Platonov's understanding of the "Time of Troubles" period.

Platonov's book, "The Time of Troubles: A Historical Study of the Internal Crisis and Social Struggle in Sixteenth- and Seventeenth-Century Muscovy," is meant to provide readers with thorough information on the 1598-1613 time periods, on the events leading to it, and on the consequences these years have left. From Platonov's point-of-view, the "Time of Troubles" period did not receive adequate coverage in history books, thus meaning that his contribution to describing the period would be beneficial for individuals wanting to have a detailed understanding of Russian history.

The "Time of Troubles" stands as more than just a controversial time period for S.F. Platonov, as he considers the era to be responsible for the creation of recent Russian history. The social divergences and the powerlessness put across by Russian politicians reigning over the Russian state in the 1598-1613 time periods is portrayed by Platonov as the reason for the success experienced by the Romanov family and later by communists. The Russian author apparently chose to write on the "Time of Troubles" period because he felt that the topic would prove to be especially important in defining the Russian society and how it functions. Platonov succeeded in writing history mainly because of his dedication to employing accuracy rather than respecting tradition. His efforts did not only involve him searching for information in Russia's large cities, as he studied a multitude of sources coming from varied places, aware that a dissertation topic of such magnitude would have to tackle a great deal of information. Platonov's book was written in accordance with documents written contemporary to the "Time of Troubles," with texts written in the decades consequent to the event, and with works that were either more recent or that were considered to be of a lesser importance. It is actually difficult to determine whether the writer intended his book to come as an evaluation of the documents previously written or if he actually wanted to provide an account of the "Time of Troubles" as he perceived the period.

Platonov kept his principles, before and after the Russian Revolution, with no regard to the fact that the thinking of most individuals was greatly changed consequent to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty. The author appeared to be an ardent supporter of the Romanov Dynasty, a fact that becomes obvious across his book. From his standpoint, the Rurik Dynasty and the reigns following it until 1613 were archaic in character, making it impossible for them to survive in a time when people wanted change. One cannot take this perspective as being biased, considering that it presently seems normal for matters to progress the way they did at the time.

The book comprises both political and military history, as Platonov went across topics involving political approaches and clashes between particular groups. The fact that the book was translated from Russian adds to the general public's understanding of the "Time of Troubles" and of Russian history in general. While most of the book deals with the "Time of Troubles period Platonov did not hesitate to introduce affairs lasting from 1500 to 1648 in it, stressing the fact that one would have an incomplete understanding of the subject if he or she were not acquainted with all the factors involved. One of Platonov's greatest concerns about the "Time of Troubles" and the way it should be covered is the fact that a historian would risk failing in writing on the period because people often ignore producing history documentation that is in accordance with all spheres of life. Whether it engrosses political, social, or economic affairs, Platonov's book offers a systematic report on the "Time of Troubles."