In the early twentieth century, Russia’s student community – or studenchestvo – was a highly visible and often controversial force in Russian political and social life. Until now, one of the most important sources on this lively period in higher education – the student press – has been largely inaccessible to Western scholars.

Students participated in the development of political parties ranging from the extreme left to the extreme right; the Christian renaissance; the spread of national and nationalist movements; the workers’ movement; literary, cultural, artistic, and intellectual currents; debates on women’s rights and legalized prostitution, as well as on anti-Semitism and the rights of Jews; and, of course, the highly contentious disputes over the political and academic roles of higher education in Russia. Consequently, this collection represents an essential source for scholars researching the history and culture of Russia during the fascinating twilight of its imperial period.