Russian Folk Belief

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful reference for folklore and culture mavens!
Review: Ivanits' Russian Folk Belief is a very useful, straightforward, and engrossing book about the beliefs of the Russian people, specifically focused on the dvovorie (dual-faith) Russian Orthodoxy/paganism practiced throughout the culture's history in the last millennium. It is well-written, does not condescend, and yet, is very readable and informative. This is a good place to start, for those curious about Russian historical folklore and spiritual belief. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: This is cool!
Review: Ok, so "This is cool" isn't exactly a profound, erudite statement. It *is* true, however. _Russian Folk Belief_ is fascinating and engaging from the first page to the last, if you are interested in myth, religion, or the faery world. Drawing from history and from personal testimony, Ivanits puts together a chronicle of the beliefs of the Russians as they were converted to Christianity--albeit a sometimes unusual Christianity in which much old pagan belief remained. The book talks about the pagan faith of the Russian lands, and the major holidays associated with that faith, and then talks about the Russian Orthodox church and the *un*orthodox religion still practiced in some rural areas. Ivanits has put together a large collection of folk tales rich with faeries, witches, and sorcerers. If you are interested in the pagan gods and faeries of Russia, this book is a must-have.

Rating:
Summary: This is cool!
Review: Ok, so "This is cool" isn't exactly a profound, erudite statement. It *is* true, however. _Russian Folk Belief_ is fascinating and engaging from the first page to the last, if you are interested in myth, religion, or the faery world. Drawing from history and from personal testimony, Ivanits puts together a chronicle of the beliefs of the Russians as they were converted to Christianity--albeit a sometimes unusual Christianity in which much old pagan belief remained. The book talks about the pagan faith of the Russian lands, and the major holidays associated with that faith, and then talks about the Russian Orthodox church and the *un*orthodox religion still practiced in some rural areas. Ivanits has put together a large collection of folk tales rich with faeries, witches, and sorcerers. If you are interested in the pagan gods and faeries of Russia, this book is a must-have.