Part I: Early Biography* Ancestry, Parentage, Family Background * Upbringing, Education, Military Service * The Political and Social Environment *Part II: In the Decembrist Movement* The Early Secret Societies at Tulchin from 1816 * In the Southern Society from 1821 * Relations with the Northern Society in St. Petersburg * Contacts with the Polish Secret Society * The PlannedCoup d'Etatand Its Aftermath *Part III: Russian Justice* Its Genesis and Composition * Analysis of its Central Ideological Thrust * Its Reception *Part IV: Trial and Execution* Arrest, Interrogation and Sentence * Life in the Peter-Paul Fortress * Pestel's Execution and its Impact * Conclusion: Pestel: Legend and Legacy Index Part I: Early Biography* Ancestry, Parentage, Family Background * Upbringing, Education, Military Service * The Political and Social Environment *Part II: In the Decembrist Movement* The Early Secret Societies at Tulchin from 1816 * In the Southern Society from 1821 * Relations with the Northern Society in St. Petersburg * Contacts with the Polish Secret Society * The PlannedCoup d'Etatand Its Aftermath *Part III: Russian Justice* Its Genesis and Composition * Analysis of its Central Ideological Thrust * Its Reception *Part IV: Trial and Execution* Arrest, Interrogation and Sentence * Life in the Peter-Paul Fortress * Pestel's Execution and its Impact * Conclusion: Pestel: Legend and Legacy Index.