The proposed paper presents results of statistical analysis of biographical data
derived from encyclopedias and other source books of the 19th and 20th centuries. The
sample counts about 2000 personalities whose names started with the most representative
letter in the Russian language ("C" and "K" in English
transliteration).
Mean Length of Life has been estimated for birth cohorts, years of death and by
occupational groups as well.
In the paper I discuss both changes in longevity of people regarded as
"elite" and structural changes within the group. I am seeking to answer to a
critical question: have any improvements occurred in the mortality of the social group
which was able to enjoy the best living conditions available throughout the period? This
should deepen our understanding of the long-standing mortality patterns for the adult
population in Russia.
