Susanna Rabow-Edling's new book, 'The First Russian Revolution: The Decembrist Revolt of 1825,' explores the failed uprising by aristocratic officers seeking to overthrow the Russian monarchy. The revolt, marked by confusion over succession and dramatic scenes in Senate Square, ended in bloodshed and severe punishments for its leaders and participants. Rabow-Edling presents the Decembrists as moderate reformers, but the review highlights deep divisions within the movement, including authoritarian tendencies and radical plans for dictatorship and cultural uniformity, especially under Pavel Pestel.

The review criticizes Rabow-Edling's sympathetic portrayal, arguing that she downplays the illiberal aspects and theatrical incompetence of the Decembrists. The movement is depicted as more spectacle than serious threat, with leaders often failing to act decisively. The legacy of the Decembrists, including the enduring image of their loyal wives and their influence on Russian revolutionary tradition, is examined through both historical detail and the lens of contemporary political judgment.