On Nov. 7, History Department Chair Cynthia Hyla Whittaker led two consecutive tours of the exhibition she co-curated for the New York Public Library, Russia Engages the World, 1453-1825.

Though conducted for the benefit of her History 1003 (Global Civilization) students, the tours were joined by several "civilians," lured by Professor Whittaker's lively commentary. According to library officials, the exhibition, which ran from Oct. 3 through Jan. 31, was a very popular one, drawing over 700 people a day. (A slightly abridged version of the event reopened Feb. 20 and runs until May 22.) In addition to the numerous books, manuscripts, and other works on paper gathered from 12 divisions of the NYPL—many of which were exhibited for the first time—a small selection of decorative and fine art objects from museums and private lenders was included. In all, approximately 230 objects were on display.

Russia Engages the World was first conceived as a commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg by Peter the Great in 1703. According to Whittaker, the exhibit's two main themes are Russia's Europeanization and its globalization, its gradual transformation from medieval "backwater" to great empire. The first part of the exhibit included items representing Moscovy (Russia's original core) in the 15th through mid-17th centuries. In addition to Slavonic Church manuscripts and early printed books, published accounts of European visitors who penetrated the isolated kingdom were featured.

The exhibit continued with items illustrating Russia's gradual expansion and the development of relationships with Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The country's initial Europeanization can be credited to Tsar Peter the Great (reigned 1689-1725), whose modern namesake city was represented in maps and rare engravings. A beautifully colored title page from a 1703 Dutch atlas depicts a young Peter resting on a crescent ensign of the Ottoman Empire, a reference to his capture of the city of Azov.

Catherine II, known as Catherine the Great, built on Peter's legacy. During her reign (1762-96), Russia's status as an imperial power was confirmed. Inspired by the French Enlightenment, Catherine—herself the author of about two dozen plays—encouraged the growth of arts and literature in Russia. On exhibit are several literary anthologies and other significant books published in the late 18th century. The exhibition's closing date, 1825, marked the end of the reign of Catherine's grandson, Tsar Alexander, whose victory over Napoleon ensured Russia's lofty standing in the world. Illustrating this was an 1815 print of a London fête given by England's Prince Regent (the future George IV) in honor of Alexander, the "Savior of Europe," and Prussian King Frederick William III. That same year ended with the Decembrist Revolt, a foreshadowing of the revolution that would culminate in the Soviet regime. An illustrated companion volume, edited by Professor Whittaker, was published by Harvard University Press. —MZ