Charles Rabot
A travers la Russie boréale
"A travers la Russie boréale" by Charles Rabot is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles an exploration through the northern regions of Russia, focusing on various ethnic groups and natural landscapes as the author embarks on a journey filled with historical and ethnographic observations. Rabot's intent is to document his experiences and encounters while studying the unique populations residing in these remote areas. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for the author's expedition from St. Petersburg to Kazan, highlighting his longing for exploration after a period of inactivity. It describes the grandeur of the Russian landscapes, particularly the sweeping expanses of the Vologda and Volga regions, and introduces the indigenous communities, such as the Finnois and Tatars, with their distinct cultures and histories. Rabot notes the contrasts between the moderning influences of Russian civilization and the ancient traditions that persist among the indigenous peoples, establishing a backdrop for the rich ethnographic and ecological studies that follow in his journey.