The view of an interested reader

The book by P.V. Lukin, which is based on the comparison of Novgorod and Venice during the medieval period, allows to set a series of questions regarding the essence of political structure, the role of oligarchy, and the people. In particular, it examines what republics were like in the Middle Ages, in contrast to modern states with a republican system. Although the author pays considerable attention to Venice, Novgorod is nonetheless in the center of his focus. The author's observations about the formation and development of Novgorod's symbols, as well as the role of citizens during the decisive confrontation with Moscow, are particularly interesting. However, the role of the merchant class in the political and social life of Novgorod, one of the largest trading centers of medieval Europe, is not fully explored.