What do we know about the worldview and everyday perceptions of an ordinary Ukrainian in the 18th century? How did people of that time interpret political events, processes, and historical figures? Most traditional sources offer little insight into such questions. However, a unique opportunity to reconstruct the mentality of the “common person” of that era is provided by the documents of political investigation institutions of the Tsardom of Muscovy and the Russian Empire.

These bodies were responsible for surveillance, persecution, and investigation of so-called “political crimes” — any form of dissent, opposition, or criticism of the existing order. In the early 18th century, their targets included “Mazepists,” as well as anyone who spoke disrespectfully of monarchs or criticized imperial policies aimed at dismantling the Hetmanate.

The statements recorded in these documents — often made by people who later suffered repression — serve as vivid testimonies of the era and striking evidence of Ukrainian national identity.

Second edition.

Length: 256 pages. Hardcover.