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Does anyone know where I could get detailed information about Grand Duke Vassily III of Russia. He was the father of Ivan the Terrible. I can find little things here and there that list the very basic facts about this man, but I would be interested to know more about his personality, the events of his life and the major players in the Russian government during his reign.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks.

... in response to Russian History Question, posted by DanM on Apr 17, 2003

If they don't have what you're looking for...no one does.

... in response to Try the New York Public  Library..., posted by ChrisNJ on Apr 18, 2003

Its a really good idea, except I live in Louisiana. Thanks anyway.

... in response to Re: Try the New York Public  Library..., posted by DanM on Apr 21, 2003

Ask your reference librarian for help.  Not only is this the kind of question they are trained to answer, but if your taxes pay for the public and state university libraries.  It your local library doesn't own what you want, they can borrow it through a process called "interlibrary loan".  If your local library can not / will not help, ask them to contact the "state library" with the question.  (Most states have a state library to support the legislature and assist other libraries in the state with more esoteric questions and materials.)

... in response to Try the New York Public  Library..., posted by ChrisNJ on Apr 18, 2003

Some of the academic libraries at universities with slavic studies programs might be a better choice.  If you can identify a book, go to you public library and ask to borrow it on "interlibrary loan".

... in response to Re: Try the New York Public  Library..., posted by Alfred on Apr 18, 2003

I think I will try your suggestion and see what happens.

Thanks.

... in response to Russian History Question, posted by DanM on Apr 17, 2003

Vasily (Basil) III. Ivanovich, grand duke of Muscovy = father of Ivan IV.  Mother was Vasily second wife, Helena Glinska.  Vasily died in 1533 which Ivan IV was 3 years old.

... in response to Re: Russian History Question, posted by davet on Apr 17, 2003

I appreciate it, but I've already found the basic stuff. I am looking for a much, much more detailed story about this guy's life.

Thanks anyway.

... in response to Russian History Question, posted by DanM on Apr 17, 2003

Your best bet for detailed information would be to go the library and get some books about the Grand Duchy of Moscow or "ancient" history of Moscow or if you have some friends who have studied Russian history, see if they have some books on old Russian history.  Moscow was founded in the  1100's by Yuri Dolgoruki, whose statue is on Tverskaya street a few blocks from Red Square.  In the 1200's, Moscow and most of Russia was overrun by the Mongol successors to Genghis Khan.  As you probably already know, Vasily and his predecessors, notably Dmitri Donskoi and Ivan III (not the "terrible" Ivan IV), restored Moscow and consolidated power in the Moscow region and fought against the Mongols to increase the size of Russia.  Ivan IV continued these efforts with the conquest of Siberia before becoming "terrible."  In fairness to Ivan IV, he had what was described as a wonderful marriage, but his wife was poisoned and after that he became really "terrible".  So guys, take good care of your women!

... in response to Re: Russian History Question, posted by Charles on Apr 17, 2003

Thanks Charles, but I have already tried the angles you are mentioning. I have read a historical autobiography of sorts on his son Ivan, but I cannot find anything comparable on the Dad. I can find all the general stuff, but little detail. Most sources devote between 1/2 and 1 page. They cover things like the dates of his birth, marraige and death along with the cities conquered under his reign. There is mention of his first wife, the reasons for the annulment, the second wife and rumors of little Ivan's illegitimacy. Thats about all I can find.

What I am looking for is a more detailed account of who he was as a man and a monarch. Also I am looking to find more on the major players in Russia during his reign.

Thanks for your suggestions.

... in response to Re: Re: Russian History Question, posted by DanM on Apr 17, 2003

Try emailing one of the professors at your local university.  You can usually get to the Eastern European studies department online, and a list of profs from there.  One of them might be able to get you the name of a book or two to read.  If they don't respond to email, you could surely call and arrange an inperson meeting with a prof or grad student.