427 ARMIES OF IVAN THE TERRIBLE 1505-1700: Russian Troops 1505-1700

1-999427

Originally printed in 2006, this 2024 reprint examines how Peter the Great brought Russia into the modern world. Discusses how his reforms were built upon changes that had taken place during the previous 200 years, since the creation in 1550 of Russia's first full-time military force (the streltsi) by Ivan IV -- i.e. Ivan the Terrible. Traces Russia's armies from that beginning, through the creation of paid regular regiments from 1630, up to the reign of Peter the Great. Illustrated with drawings, photos of surviving artifacts, and reconstructions of exotic military costumes. Contains 40 black and white pictures and 8 color illustrations.