Dr George Gilbert, Lecturer in Twentieth-Century (Non-British) History, will soon head for the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, to support his research as part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council International Placement Scheme.
Dr Gilbert is amongst a group of 50 UK-based researchers who will have access to some of the most significant libraries and archives in the United States. During his placement, Dr Gilbert will examine the presentation and reception of martyrdom in late imperial Russia, focusing on a number of significant case studies.
From the national martyrdoms of Tsars Alexander II and Nicholas II, to the secular martyrdoms of members of revolutionary groups such as the People’s Will, Dr Gilbert will consider how the theme became such a constant in the rapidly changing social and political environment of late imperial Russia.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to use the resources of the Library of Congress for my current project on martyrdom in late imperial Russia,” said Dr Gilbert. “The Library houses the largest collection of printed sources in the world, and its collection of books, pamphlets, journals and newspapers from the Russian revolutionary era will provide vital printed primary material that forms a good section of the source base of the project.”
Dr Gilbert will have up to six months at the Library to read and review literature, photography, art, maps and sound archives as well as the chance to gain physical access to artefacts to help uncover new aspects of his current research.