First published in 1987. Yu. F. Samarin (1819-1876) was one of the original SIavophiIs. He was the most important Slavophil statesman, making a very significant contribution to the formulation, drafting and implementation of the Emancipation Edict of 1861. He also served creatively in the whole range of Zemstvo council work at both the provincial and municipal levels, and made a substantial impact on policy as a passionate exponent of Russian interests in Poland and the Baltic provinces.

In this study Samarin's development and performance as a political thinker is examined from his early days as a master’s student at the University of Moscow to the completion of his work on the peasant land reform in 1864.

This book establishes that Samarin was a competent political theorist, who is best characterized as an "enlightened conservative". This title will be of great interest to students of history, politics and philosophy.