The Russian people have a profound attachment to their land. Boris Pasternak paid tribute to the millions of dead who made the sacred land of Russia live again and blossom: ""The price Russia paid in blood, in sorrow, in tears increases Russians' love for their land. Writers, musicians and artists have all nourished their talent with the fruits of passion that lie deep at the root of the Russian soul."" This book is designed to help the reader share in the discovery of the beloved Russian land. It includes paintings showing country gentlemen and sometimes serfs toiling like slaves until late 19th century, when they were liberated and at last were able to own property and harvest their crops. This richly illustrated book reproduces paintings from the 18th through the 20th century. Pastoral moments, rural scenes and peasants' strained expressions reveal in vivid detail what life were like on the Russian land.