Ivan the Terrible is infamous as a sadistic despot responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people, particularly during the years of the oprichnina , his state-within-a-state.
Charles Halperin shatters the myths surrounding Ivan and reveals a complex ruler who had much in common with his European contemporaries, including Henry the Eighth..
It presents a new interpretation not only of Ivan\'s behavior and ideology, but also of Muscovite social and economic history.
Ivan the Terrible: Free to Reward and Free to Punish provides an up-to-date comprehensive analysis of all aspects of Ivan\'s reign.
This interaction needs to be understood in order properly to analyze his motives, achievements, and failures.
Ivan interacted with Muscovite society as both he and Muscovy changed.
However, Ivan\'s actions cannot be dismissed by attributing the behavior to insanity.
Ivan was the first ruler in Russian history to use mass terror as a political instrument.
Ivan the Terrible is infamous as a sadistic despot responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people, particularly during the years of the oprichnina , his state-within-a-state
