Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. Acknowledgments vii
4. Introduction 1
5. PART ONE: From Benevolent Force to National Misfortune: Fire's Contested Meanings in Rural Russia
6. 1. Fire as Gentle Cookery and Paradise: Peasants as Mistresses and Masters of Fire 15
7. 2. Fire as Apocalypse or Pathology: Peasants as Victims or Vectors of Fire 40
8. 3. Fire as Russia's Historical Evil: Peasants Dispossessed by Fire 64
9. PART TWO: Letting Loose the Red Rooster: Arson in Rural Russia
10. 4. The Fiery Brand, Russian Style: Arson as Protest, Peasants as Incendiaries 108
11. 5. Arson as Impotent Spite or Potent Practice: Peasants as Vengeful, Covetous, or Wily Actors 129
12. PART THREE: Mobilizing to Make Russia Modern: Insuring, Planning, Volunteering
13. 6. Fire as Insurance Hazard: Peasants as Students of Prudence and Precaution 179
14. 7. Fire Contained in the Planned Village: Peasants as Residents in a Disciplined Domestic Order 204
15. 8. Fire as the Internal Enemy: Peasants as Volunteer Firefighters 231
16. 9. Conclusion: Fire as an Imperial Legacy, Peasants as Partners in Progress 267
17. Notes 275
18. References 298
19. Index 313