Translated from: http://ksana-k.narod.ru/Book/oldruss/step_kn.htm


Depiction of Princess Olga from the Stepennaya Kniga.
(Photo from http://his.1september.ru/2004/26/19-1.jpg)

Stepennaya Kniga [aka "Power Book", hereinafter "SK"] (The Book of Power - Royal Genealogy) - one of the outstanding works of Russian medieval historiography - was created in 1560-1563 gg. under the leadership of Metropolitan of All Russia Makarios and his successor, Athanasius. It contains a summary of events of national history by calling for the Normans in 1563 originality of the monument lies in the fact that his story is not built for years, as in the chronicles, and dissected in 17 sections - "degrees" of the seventeen generations of Russian grand dukes: from Vladimir Svyatoslavich to Ivan the Terrible. In a symbolic sense the same "degree" - is the steps leading to God. In the center of each degree is a great biography of the prince, next to a biography posted bishops and saints, who lived at that time. Thus, "Russian history is genealogically single chain of saints Muscovy and their ancestors" (NN Pokrovsky). As sources SK was used in a wide range of monuments and chronicles the lives of the saints. Main chronicles served Nikon Chronicle and its continuation. Attracted Narrative essays were edited: declining rhetorical element and makes concrete historical material. The basis of the political concept SK diverse apology was approved by the Muscovite autocracy, coupled with the idea of the activities necessary under the Grand Duke and the head of the church. SK enjoyed high prestige in the Russian society XVI-XVIII centuries., formed a vast manuscript tradition. Now known more than 80 lists of the monument, the latest of which was established in 1790-ies. In the XVII century. Russian government twice attempted to establish, by SK official history of Russia, expanding its materials on the subsequent reign. To do this, in 1657 created notebook orders, but in 1682 the House-The power structure of the book. Based SK in 1675-1677 gg. Makarieva-Zhovtovodske Archimandrite Tikhon Monastery was compiled Latuhinskaya power book, and in the years 1716-1718. Ambassadors assistant clerks office IY Yuriev - "The news about the life and actions derzhavstvuyuschih Grand Dukes Russia (Yurevskaya power book).