"The Shaping of Past and Present, and Historical Writing in Rus’, c.900– c.1400" by Jonathan Shepard is an academic article that discusses the evolution of historical writing and the shaping of the past and present in Russia from the 9th century until the 14th century.
Pre-Petrine (or Old Russian) period: During this period, historical writing served as a way to legitimize rulers and their dynasties. Chronicles were written in Old Church Slavonic and were primarily focused on the deeds of rulers and their families, as well as the establishment of Christianity in Russia. These chronicles were often written by monks and were used to justify the power of the ruling elite.
Imperial period: The Imperial period saw a shift in historical writing towards a more nationalist perspective. Russian historians were keen to emphasize the distinctiveness of Russian history from that of the West, and often portrayed Russia as a unique and exceptional nation. History was also used as a means to legitimize the tsarist regime and its policies.
Post-Revolutionary period: After the Russian Revolution, historical writing underwent a significant transformation. Marxist historians rejected the earlier nationalist perspective and focused on analyzing historical events in terms of class struggle. Soviet authorities used history as a means of propaganda to promote the ideals of communism and to legitimize the Soviet regime.
Post-Soviet period: In the post-Soviet era, historical writing has become more diverse and pluralistic. There is a greater emphasis on historical accuracy and objectivity. However, historical narratives are still often shaped by contemporary political concerns, and there is a continuing debate over the interpretation of Russian history, particularly regarding the Soviet period.
In summary, the article outlines the evolution of historical writing in Russia over centuries, and how the shaping of past and present was influenced by different political, social, and cultural contexts. The article also highlights the ongoing debates over the interpretation of Russian history, which continue to shape contemporary political and cultural discourse in Russia.