Nomads, Northmen and Slavs. Eastern Europe in the ninth century

Imre Boba

 

EDITOR’S PREFACE

 

As Volume II of this series was to appear “Tschwaschische Ortsnamen” by the late Adalbert John Burghard. The volume was already printed in the spring of 1957 (157 pp.) and was ready for distribution, when because of interference of the widow of the late author, it had to be taken out.

 

In its place is now appearing the monograph by Dr. Imre Boba. It was his doctoral dissertation, which in its final form was directed by me during my academic activity at the University of Washington (1961-1964).

 

The problems in connection with the foundations of the Old Rus state are manifold and have been studied for more than 200 years. Naturally the dissertation of Dr. Boba does not pretend to be regarded as the last word, but the author was able to present this so often discussed topic in a fresh and original way. I will always remember our long discussions during his work on his dissertation when I was able to give him some advice and help him with my experience, especially in the treatment of the Arabic sources. But even playing the role of advocatus diaboli I interfered only if it seemed to me to be necessary for methodological reasons. Therefore, conceptions and hypotheses expressed in the book are Dr. Boba’s own product and he takes all responsibility for them.

 

O. P.

 

 

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

I am deeply indebted to Professors Omeljan Pritsak, Peter F. Sugar, Marc Szeftel and Donald W. Treadgold of the University of Washington for their interest in my study, for their reading of several drafts, and for their profitable suggestions. While agreeing with them that many of my concepts may be considered bold and in need of further documentation, I submit this study for consideration and criticism in the belief that it may initiate a useful scholarly discussion.

 

I am grateful to the Far Eastern and Russian Institute of the University of Washington and to the trustees of the Agnes H. Anderson Fund (University of Washington) and of the Relm Foundation for their generous grants which facilitated the completion of this study. I also wish to express my thanks and appreciation to Miss Gladys Greenwood, editor of Far Eastern and Russian Institute University of Washington publications, and to my wife for their efforts in making the text more readable.

 

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