Nikon (1605-1681), patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, is best known for imposing the religious reforms that ultimately led to the schism of the Russian Orthodox Church. Yet only the Account of Birth, Life, and Upbringing of His Holiness Nikon, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1680s), comes close to immortalizing the vicissitudes of Nikon's entire life. Written by Ioann Shusherin's (d. 1693), the patriarch's protege and confidant, the Account presents Nikon as he appeared to his contemporary supporters. The biography chronicles Nikon's steady rise through the ecclesiastical ranks, dramatic...