Спор о варягах: история противостояния и аргументы сторон

The role of the Normans (Varangians) in the formation of the Russian state was at times proudly recognized, at times vehemently repudiated. The current publication covers the three-hundred year long discussion about ethnic background of the Varangians and their role in the history of Old Rus. The author, the leader of a Slavic-Varangian seminar for almost fifty years, presents the two main positions in this discussion and systematizes the arguments of both sides up to the most recent publications. This volume contains his previously unpublished book (1960), review of archeological studies, positions of the most respected scholars on the issue, memoirs about the Slavic-Varangian seminar, and bibliography of their members. Bibliography (pp. 357-390) and indices. Also available on this subject: Uspenskii, F.B; Skandinavy. Variagi. Rus': Istoriko-Filologicheskie Ocherki (2002); Gedeonov, S.A. Variagi i Rus' (2004); Fomin, V.V. Variagi i Variazhskaia Rus': K Itogam Diskussii po Variazhskomu Voprosu (2005).