«If Russians Would Know Their Strength»: Evolution of the Image of the Russian State in English Sources of the Second Half of the XVI Century

Abstract

In the middle of the XVI century took place the re-opening of the Russian state by the English. After successful completion of the Chancellor -Willoughby expedition, trade, political and cultural ties between the two countries intensify. The interest of Elizabethan society in the distant and rich Tsardom of Muscovy is compensated by diaries and writings compiled by travelers, diplomats and merchants who visited the Russian State. In combination with real descriptions and myths created and popularized by other foreigners, English works form their own image of Muscovy and its population, which is fixed in the minds of the inhabitants of foggy Albion. Gradually, stereotypical images are fixed in the description of the state and its inhabitants. If the authors of the early works describe with admiration the wealth and power of the tsar, then in later writings everything is perceived as a sign of tyrannical rule. The negative perception of the Russian State by English authors could be influenced by both subjective factors associated with the trip and the image of the country that was formed in advance on the basis of other stories and writings. In addition, the negative perception of the inhabitants of the Tsardom of Muscovy could be associated with the religious intolerance of English Protestants. Even Jerome Horsey's essay striving for objectivity is full of rumors, gossip and myths about the country, its rulers and people.