The book by a famous scientist, professor of history at Yale University (USA) describes the life and worldview of a Russian sect, whose members “made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 19:12). Originating in the 18th century, the sect survived into the Soviet period, maintaining its faith and rituals despite persistent persecution. Engelstein's work introduces readers to the context of the most important contemporary discussions about group and individual identity, the formation of cultural boundaries and norms, as well as the sociocultural consequences of their violations.

Table of Contents: Preface.. ........................................................ .....7Introduction: Archives of Eternity...................13Chapter 1. Myths and Mysteries...... ........................... 25Eagle................... ................................................... 40Facts and speculation.............................................47Golden Age. ........................................................ ..... 59Chapter 2. Reports and denunciations.................................. 63 Decrees and interpretations..... ........................................... 66Reflection in the mirror......... ................................ 77How to cause indignation.................................. ...................92Disgust of the Populists................................. ......96Renegade Realism....................................103Chapter 3. Limits and betrayal...................115Sheep in goatskins.................................... .....122There were also fables.................................... ..141Voice in the Desert.................................................... . 150A view from the inside from the distant outskirts..............166Chapter 4. Testimony of faith........................... 181Heresy in the era of mechanical production...183 Bonch-Bruevich project.....................................192 Renewal and rebirth ......................... 197Sheep from goats (the writer's vocation)......... 210Sheep among sheep.... ........................................217Scopical prophecies...... ............................226Chapter 5. Light and shadow................... ........................231The light is breaking...................... ........................... 234Light visible................. ....................................... 238The shadow deepens......... ........................................245Kingdom of God...... ........................................... 258List of abbreviations..... ....................................278Notes............ ...........................................279Index of names..... ...........................................323