Free Society of Russian Lovers. Free society of lovers of Russian literature. Coursework on the history of Russian journalism

Topic: “Free society of lovers of Russian literature”

Free society of lovers of Russian literature, which existed since 1816
to 1825, left a noticeable mark in the history of Russian literature and
journalism. This is one of the first organizations of advanced writers in Russia.
The activities of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature were
closely connected with the activities of the Decembrists, many of whom were
members of this society.

In total, the Free Society had over 240 members (82
“full members”, 24 “employee members”, 39
“corresponding members” and 96 “honorary members”). As part of the Company
there were about 20 members of the Union of Welfare, who “set the tone”
in this literary association.

The main source of course work is the book by Vasily Grigorievich
Bazanov’s “Scientific Republic”, in which the author consistently and,
examines, as far as possible, the history of the Society in detail. "Scientist
republic", according to Bazanov, more refined and revised
publication than the book “Free Society of Lovers” published in 1949
Russian literature". Therefore, my choice of the main source for
course work I focused on “The Scientific Republic”.

Before the works of V.G. Bazanov Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature
was not the topic of a special investigation. In a number of materials
bibliographic and historical-literary nature were found only
scattered information about the Company.

The surviving archive of the Free Society, consisting of 104 bound
“Journals” and “Reports”, amazes with the abundance of official correspondence,
the most detailed financial statements, numerous correspondence.
The documents reflecting creative life Societies represented
exceptionally weak. It is possible that some of the documents were destroyed in
December 1825 by Glinka or Nikitin, but most likely Borovkov.
However, according to surviving documents, V.G. Bazanov reconstructed the history
Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature.

When writing my course work, I also used other, less
detailed sources.

Considering that the course work on the history of Russian journalism course,
I tried to pay more attention to the publications of the Free Society
lovers of Russian literature, without forgetting, however, about its history.

I. Free Society

Lovers of Russian literature

Date of establishment of the St. Petersburg Free Society of Amateurs
Russian literature, or, as it was first called, the Society
competitors of education and charity, should be considered January 17
1816. It was on this day that the first meeting took place.
founders, on which E. Lyutsenko, A. Borovkov, A. Nikitin and I. Borovkov
adopted the rules of the Society. Their goal was “what was left over from their careers.”
time to use useful exercises, offering his works to
mutual judgment." “The draft charter was read; corrections have been made
changes, and the meeting ended” (A.D. Borovkov).

Just two weeks after the establishment of the Society, November 28, 1816,
at the next meeting was unanimously accepted as a full member
Fedor Nikolaevich Glinka (finally approved at the next meeting -
December 5, 1816). Glinka (then already famous writer and member of the Union
Salvation) quickly advances to the leadership of the Free Society
lovers of Russian literature.

In order to more correctly assess the role of the Free Society that it played in
years of its existence, it is necessary to make a digression regarding
secret societies Decembrists. The Salvation Union (1816-1817) was replaced by
Union of Welfare (1818-1821). The Welfare Union took care of
association of progressive national forces, about the great educational
work, about the influence on public opinion. From here in the Union of Welfare,
in his propaganda activities occupy such an important place
constitutional projects, petitions, legal educational
events, literature and science.

The legislation of the Union of Welfare was the “Green Book”, called
so, according to the researchers, by the color of the cover. Union structure
Prosperity provided for strict secrecy and was incredibly
complex. There was a whole ladder of government, a complex and tangled network
branches of the secret society. In addition to the administration, members of the Welfare Union
it was recommended to establish special “free societies”, which would
in essence they were legal representatives of secret Decembrist societies.

That’s exactly what one of the chapters of the law was called, “Free Societies”
Union. Below are some of its paragraphs:

“P.48. Free Societies and are called in the Union
Prosperity for all societies striving towards its goal, but outside of it
located.

P.49. Their establishment and continuation are attributed to special merit to the members
Union - their names are included in the honor book. (...)

P.52. In them the following must be generated and strengthened: consent and unanimity,
desire for mutual communication of useful thoughts, knowledge of civil
duties and love for the fatherland."

The Free Society of Lovers of Russian Art became such a Free Society
literature. In most sources in which the history of Volny
society is not studied in detail, society is presented as a peripheral
Decembrist organization.

"Rules of the Society of Literary Lovers" in political sense were out
any suspicions. The main purpose of the Society was to read and
correction of works read at meetings. At the end of 1817, by
At the suggestion of Nikitin, the Society decided to publish the journal “Proceedings
Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature", which is published
also under the title “Competitor of Enlightenment and Charity.”

Until 1818, the Society was simply called the Society of Lovers of Russian
literature, only this year receiving the addition: Free. Was accepted
new charter. Amendments to it were undoubtedly proposed by Glinka and
Nikitin. Everything new that was introduced into this document brought the goals closer
Free society to the goals of the Union of Benevolence.

But even after this, the activities of the Free Society were inactive,
took place in petty feuds and in reading ordinary works. It was easier
create a new society rather than revive the old one. Free Society
was going through a crisis. Attempts by Glinka and Nikitin to instill in Society
the civilian direction was not successful. However, Nikitin does not
calms down, putting forward one idea after another. In his person Fedor Glinka
had faithful assistant.

As you can see, at first Glinka and Nikitin had trouble solving
task: to propagate ideas with the help of writers and scientists
"Green Book". But in 1818, in the “exercises” of members of the Free Society
exit to civil topic. This is the year in my life
"competitors" events occurred that transformed the Society
Literature indeed in the Free Society of Progressive Writers.

The most active member of the Welfare Union Fyodor Glinka with the help of Nikitin
seeks the adoption of a new “Form for election to full members,
employees and correspondents present.” Acceptance ceremony
became more serious and strict. New rules approved on February 25
1818, instilled a sense of responsibility of each member to the Free
society, assumed the need for the strictest discipline, mutual
guarantees, conspiracy, limited access to the Society for random people and
contributed to attracting true people to the goal of the Union of Prosperity
"competitors"

For the “success of enlightenment” in the renewed Society,
special “scientific exercises”. They were meant as
journalistic speeches and works of art.

One of the proofs that the Free Society of Lovers of Russian
literature became a progressive society of that time, is a list
of its members, which was published in full in the “Scientific Republic”
V.G. Bazanova.

In 1818, the greatest poets of that time were elected honorary members of the Society.
pores - I.A. Krylov, V.A. Zhukovsky, K.N. Batyushkov, recommended
F.N. Glinka and A.E. Izmailov. At the end of 1819, the Society was admitted
A.A. Delvig, P.A. Pletnev, V.K. Kuchelbecker.

In 1818, he became the de facto leader of the Free Society.
Glinka, since Chairman Saltykov has little interest in the affairs of the Society.
Glinka was listed as assistant to the chairman, but in essence he
headed the Society of Competitors and was responsible for its activities before
Union of Welfare.

On April 1, 1818, Nikitin, for the “greater benefit,” proposed making the charter
Societies of “replenishment and change”. A serious change was proposed to them,
The free society became a kind of republic of writers. IN
In the new project, the Society was called a “scientific republic.” Proposed
the form of a “scientific republic” headed by the president was staged
republican-constitutional form of government.

The transformation of the Free Society into a “learned republic” could not be met
unanimous greeting of the competing members. Nikitin's opinion was
adopted on April 22, 1818, but with great reservations. From the new "Rules"
on the order of meetings and the rights of the chairman” was even excluded
the expression “scientific republic”.

But nevertheless, the Free Society is gradually turning into a “scientific
republic." Glinka became its president on July 16, 1919.
Conservative competitors soon felt
Society is uncomfortable and has moved to open struggle with those orders that
implanted by Glinka and Nikitin.

Speaking about the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature, one cannot help but
mention also that the “learned republic” in 1820 was
a political demonstration was organized against the expulsion of A.S. Pushkin from
St. Petersburg. Having learned about the denunciation of Pushkin and the impending exile,
"competitors" on this day convened an emergency meeting of "scientists"
republics." At this meeting on March 22, Kuchelbecker read his
the poem "Poets", which was directly related to the deportation
Pushkin and demonstrated the protest of the “scientific republic”. At the same time with
Kuchelbecker Delvig presented his poem “The Poet”. IN
September issue of “Son of the Fatherland” was followed by Glinka’s message to
Pushkin. It gave the protest of the “scientific republic” against Pushkin’s exile
obviously demonstrative. Members of the Free Society did not miss
case, so as not to remind of the exiled poet.

In January 1821, the Union, which was close to failure, admitted itself to be dissolved
Prosperity. A new era begins in the life of the “scientific republic”.
The Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature is finally
becomes the center around which progressive forces unite in
literature. In 1821, in “scientific exercises” the first place was taken by
works of civil themes are accepted in the activities of the Society
major Decembrists took active part. Many "competitors"
who took a direct part in the Decembrist movement are passionate
the idea of ​​civil service to society. At meetings they were constantly listening
sociological reports.

In 1821, Ryleev and the brothers actively collaborated in the Free Society
Bestuzhevs, Kornilovich. At the same time they were accepted as full members
Baratynsky, Gnedich and others.

In 1822, F. Glinka, K. Ryleev,
A. Bestuzhev, N. Bestuzhev, A. Kornilovich, O. Somov, A. Nikitin, A. Delvig. IN
“scientific exercises” naturally include folklore articles,
indicating the attention of the “competitors” to folk poetry. Volnoe
the society was engaged in the promotion of folklore and monuments of ancient Russian
literature. Characteristic feature"scientific exercises" of 1822 is
increased interest in national heroic historical theme. On
The history of my native country was in the foreground.

1823 The president of the “scientific republic” is still Glinka,
secretary - Nikitin. The remaining positions are mainly occupied by Decembrists
and their associates. On May 22, a public meeting of the Society was held in the house
G.R. Derzhavin. In addition to the full members, those invited to the meeting were:
staff and correspondents, honorary members and many influential people
capital Cities. The meeting took place with great success, everything was present from above
50 people.

In an effort to finally subjugate the “learned republic” that remained in
inheritance from the Union of Welfare, the tasks of Decembrist propaganda,
Ryleev and A. Bestuzhev, with the consent and support of Glinka, created at the end
1823, a special house committee, which was political,
the governing center of the Free Society. The newly established committee saved
according to Nikitin, a “scientific republic”, which by that time was
torn apart by several internal currents, from destruction and
restored it “for a new existence.” In 1824 the committee
apparently gathered in Ryleev’s apartment. Lived in the same house
A. Bestuzhev and O. Somov.

This year, the future publisher of the Moscow edition was accepted into the Society.
telegraph" N.A. Polevoy. Griboedov's acquaintance with
A. Bestuzhev, Ryleev and Glinka. On December 15, Griboyedov was elected to
full members of the “scientific republic”.

Of course, not all members of the Society were close to Decembrism. IN
The society included both the fundamental enemies of this movement and writers
not involved in politics at all.

At the end of 1824, Ryleev became the leader Northern Society, But
he does not forget about the “scientific republic”. Now it is no longer Glinka who influences
Ryleev, and Ryleev, the chairman of the house committee, influences the president
Society.

Characteristics of the Society’s “learned exercises” in 1825 appear to be
almost impossible, since only the financial report was preserved in the archive
treasurer. All other papers of the Free Society were lost or that
most likely destroyed. But in 1825 the “learned republic” did not
stopped her “exercises”, and perhaps with even greater persistence
promoted high civic art.

In 1825, the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature ceased
your existence.

II. Publications of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature

1. “Son of the Fatherland”

"Son of the Fatherland" is one of the oldest Russian magazines that has played
important role in the development of social thought early XIX century. Since 1815
until 1825 “Son of the Fatherland” was the most influential and advanced magazine, in
which collaborated with Zhukovsky, Pushkin, Krylov, Bestuzhev, Ryleev,
Gnedich, Kuchelbecker, F. Glinka, Kunitsyn, Somov and other prominent
writers.

From 1817 to 1825 the magazine was associated with the Free Society of Amateurs
Russian literature, whose members published their works in it
(a number of speeches and works by members of the Society were published in the magazine with
a note about their preliminary hearing at meetings of the Society). This
close connection with the Free Society and constant participation in the magazine
Decembrist writers and writers close to them and this publication did
the most influential and advanced magazine of those years.

“Son of the Fatherland” was published strictly periodically (once a week), its circulation
was estimated at approximately 400-600 copies, quite a figure for those years
significant.

The composition of each weekly issue was more or less constant:

1. Modern history and European politics.

2. Russian and ancient and new story.

3. Russian literature. News about all books published in Russia.
Consideration of some. Discussions about the Russian language and Russian
literature. Small poems.

4. Sciences, arts, crafts.

Over the years of cooperation in the magazine of members of the Free Society, on his
pages was placed whole line articles and works of art,
who expressed the ideological positions of the Decembrists and determined the progressive
direction of the magazine.

Of great interest is the literary-critical department of the magazine, in
which over the course of several years published a number of articles by Griboyedov,
Ryleev, Kuchelbecker, A. Bestuzhev, Somov. The main line is outlined
literary struggle of the Decembrists - for the creation of “high” literature
civil genres and style.

One of the central places in “Son of the Fatherland” was occupied by the controversy surrounding
"Ruslana and Lyudmila" by Pushkin. The poet, breaking the traditions of the classical epic,
created epic poem, mixing heroic and comic genres, combining
classicism and romanticism. On the pages of "Son of the Fatherland"
a lengthy discussion about the character and merits of the poem. Controversy over
about “Ruslan and Lyudmila” raised, first of all, the question of nationality.

The magazine presented the line of romanticism (Bestuzhev, Somov,
Vyazemsky). These writers did not recognize the archaic sympathies of Katenin and
Kuchelbecker. The central place in this regard is occupied by the article
Vyazemsky about the “Prisoner of the Caucasus”, published in 1822.

“Son of the Fatherland” during the years of close cooperation with the Free Society
responded to all events literary life. Polemics were often carried on
only with other magazines, but also between the employees themselves.

For a long time, “Son of the Fatherland” waged polemics with the stronghold
literary “classics” – “Bulletin of Europe”. The most striking episodes:
polemic between O. Somov and M. Dmitriev regarding “Woe from Wit”, speech
Pushkin regarding Vyazemsky’s preface to “The Bakhchisarai Fountain”.

Shortly before the December events of 1825, a story appeared on the pages of the magazine.
heated controversy with the Moscow Telegraph over the just published
the first chapter of "Eugene Onegin", which immediately became a polemic about the main
principles of romantic poetry.

Ryleev’s article should also be considered in the light of the controversy about romanticism
“Some Thoughts on Poetry,” published in No. 22, 1825. This article
was a kind of aesthetic-theoretical program of the Decembrists and in
at the same time, it seemed to sum up the poetic work of Ryleev himself.
This article essentially ends the leading role of the “Son of the Fatherland” in
Russian journalism.

Compared to journalistic and critical material,
the literary and artistic department occupied comparatively less in the magazine
place and is not of equal interest. Great place occupied in
“Son of the Fatherland” travel and popular science articles. Poetry department
stood out for the participation of the best poets of that time, most of them -
members of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature.
Original artistic prose almost never appeared on the pages of “Son
fatherland", except for essays and historical descriptions.

After the Decembrist uprising, “Son of the Fatherland” not only lost its main
part of its employees, but also turns sharply into the camp of reaction and
very soon it loses all literary significance.

2. “Competitor of education and charity”

Nikitin’s desire to expand Volny’s publishing activities
society of lovers of Russian literature was crowned with some success in
end of 1817. At the meeting of the Society it was decided to publish a journal
“Competitor of enlightenment and charity” (second name on the title:
"Proceedings of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature"). First
four parts of the magazine (1818) included the earliest works of the members
Societies gathered in large quantities over two years of meetings.

Due to censorship concerns, the magazine
there were no journalistic and artistic works with obvious
political program. Educational,
educational task, defining the encyclopedic nature of the magazine.
However, access to materials national history and development
national-patriotic themes determined its connection with Decembrism, the
Moreover, the connection between the “Competitor” and the Free Society was not only
ideological, but also organizational in nature, in contrast to “Son of the Fatherland” in
in which members of the Society participated as influential collaborators.

Works published in Competitor were previously
were read at meetings of the Society, the magazine was published at its expense.
The circulation was small: 200-300 copies. Proceeds from the publication went to
support for needy scientists and writers, as well as for the benefit of students -
children of poor townspeople and nobles.

"I. Sciences and arts.

Literature ancient and new. Research on the properties of languages. Antiquities.
Description of lands and peoples. Historical excerpts and biographies of famous people
husbands. Scientists travel. Various arguments, speeches and everything in general
curious about the sciences and arts. New inventions, discoveries, etc.

II. Elegant prose.

Scenic travels, depictions of characters, stories.

III. Poems.

IV. Mixture.

1. Bibliography, or news and judgments about books, also extracts from
of them. 2. Extracts from various journals. 3. Notes of the Society.”

The main place in the magazine was occupied by “science and art” and poems,
popular science articles, travel descriptions. But the central place in
The magazine was occupied by articles devoted to philosophical and aesthetic issues.
Among these articles, the most significant is the speech of N.I. Gnedich, which he
pronounced upon his entry into full membership of the Free Society and
which was placed in Part XV of the Competitor for 1821.

In his speech, Gnedich developed the program that was followed
the majority of the Society, seeing literature as a means moral education And
improvement of morals. “Let him (i.e. the writer) write not for a person, but
for humanity,” Gnedich ends his speech. Same idea of ​​service
to humanity is also expressed in Kuchelbecker’s “European Letters”,
published in "Competitor".

In parts XXIII and XXIV for 1823, articles by O. Somov about
romanticism, which was the first substantiation in Russian
literature of aesthetics and theory of romanticism.

In the magazine’s intense and constant interest in folk art
The demand for the originality and nationality of literature had an impact. Abundance of articles
about folk songs, legends, publication on the pages of the magazine
numerous examples of folk poetry - were a direct consequence
this interest. The "Competitor" began a genuine study of folk
creativity and introduced readers to his the best examples.

In the art section of the magazine, which occupied relatively little space,
First of all, the poems of the Decembrist poets stand out - Ryleev,
Kuchelbecker, F. Glinka. In addition, several poems in
“The Competitor” was published by Zhukovsky, Delvig, Baratynsky, Gnedich and,
finally, Pushkin.

And yet the magazine's circulation was small. Obviously, the complete success of "Competitor"
hampered by the lack of political information, at least foreign.

3. “Nevsky Spectator”

Particularly close to the “Competitor of enlightenment and charity” is
“Nevsky Spectator”, who shared common ideological positions with him and
who was also in the circle of the ideology of the Free Society and the Decembrists.

In the first issue of “Competitor” for 1820 (Part IX) a message appeared:
“For this year 1820, a magazine called “Nevsky Spectator” was published. Here
the program of the new edition was also outlined. "Nevsky Spectator" existed
not for long - from January 1820 to June 1821. A total of 18 monthly issues were published.
books of the magazine, consisting of 6 parts. The publishers of the magazine were G. Kruglikov,
M. Yakovlev and I. Snitkin.

“Nevsky Spectator” differed from “Competitor” primarily in its
predominant interest in issues social history, pedagogy and
economy. The leading place in the magazine was occupied by the departments “History and Politics”
and "Education". The Nevsky Spectator had the following constants:
sections: 1. History and politics. 2. Education. 3. Morals. 4. Literature.
5. Criticism. 6.Fine arts. 7. Mixture.

The magazine's public position was determined by its belief in peaceful improvement
society through education and reasonable legislation. Implementation of this
A number of Snitkin’s articles served the purpose. This liberal-educational
The program was also supported by articles on education.

A significant place in the Nevsky Spectator was devoted to economic issues.
The magazine stood for development domestic industry, advising in
trade issues.

The literary part of the magazine took up significantly less space than
journalistic. However, the participation of Pushkin, Ryleev, Kuchelbecker,
Baratynsky, Delvig - made the poetic section exclusively
interesting and significant.

The department of “fine prose” consisted mainly of translated
sentimental stories.

The critical department occupied an important place. It published “A Look at
current literature" by Kuchelbecker, articles by Somov and others. Presents
interest and analysis of “Ruslan and Lyudmila”, placed in No. 7 for 1820.

Quite unexpectedly, in the middle of 1821, the Nevsky Spectator was forced
was to cease to exist. Citing poor health and extreme
employment at work, Ivan Snitkin on July 29, 1821 declared in
Petersburg Censorship Committee that it is “not able to publish
this magazine" and returns money to subscribers.

The real reason that forced the magazine to be closed in the middle of the year was
there was a constant persecution of censorship. Suffice it to remember that the magazine barely
was not closed back in October 1820, because Ryleev’s
the satire “To the Temporary Worker” provoked the count’s vengeance. One way or another, but Nevsky
spectator" was closed.

III. Conclusion

As already mentioned at the beginning of the course work, the Decembrists attached
great value public opinion. Suffice it to remember that in
at the beginning of the operation of secret societies there were very few members among their members
supporters of an armed uprising. The Welfare Union decided in the fight against
absolutism and serfdom to rely not on guards bayonets, but on
peaceful propaganda of the ideas of enlightenment and true morality “in all
estates." By the gradual improvement of morality and the spread
enlightenment Society hoped to achieve a quiet and inconspicuous revolution
in the government of the state.

The Decembrists believed that it would take about 20 years for advanced
public opinion has captured the minds of all strata Russian society.

Naturally, the main means of disseminating advanced
public ideas were education and the press.

The first attempt to publish your own magazine was made back in 1817
year. It was planned to release a publication on the basis of a literary association
"Arzamas". The idea of ​​the magazine belonged to N.I. Turgenev. The publication of the magazine is not
took place.

Since the end of 1818, Turgenev again took measures to organize the publication
magazine called either “Russian of the 19th century”, or “Archive of political
sciences and Russian literature". But this enterprise is also not
came true because Turgenev did not receive permission for the magazine from
government. The political orientation of the magazine immediately caused
suspicions in the Censorship Committee.

In October 1824, Decembrist P.A. Mukhanov sought permission to
publication of the Military Journal. But not only did he not achieve it, but he also received
reprimand for service.

It was almost impossible to obtain permission to publish a new magazine.
Russia's censorship policy was very strict. Therefore, for propaganda
progressive ideas, the Union of Welfare attracted “free people” (one of the meanings
of this word - “legal”) literary societies. Through Volny magazines
of the society of lovers of Russian literature, ideas reached the society
Decembrists.

In addition, the Free Society, according to V.G. Bazanov, “played an outstanding
role in the training of Decembrist personnel." The importance has especially increased
Society and its publications after the dissolution of the Union of Welfare in 1821.

Conquests of advanced Russian journalism first quarter of the XIX centuries found
further creative development V journalistic activity A.S. Pushkin,
N.A. Polevoy, V.G. Belinsky, A.I. Herzen, N.A. Nekrasov and others
leading publicists and literary critics of subsequent decades. AND
we can safely say, without fear of being mistaken, that the Free Society of Amateurs
Russian literature and its publications played a huge role in the development
Russian journalism and literature.

REFERENCES

1. Bazanov V.G. Scientific Republic. – M.-L., “Science”, 1964.

2. Essays on the history of Russian journalism and literature.

(XVIII and first half of the XIX centuries) - L., 1950.

3. Berezina V.G. Russian journalism of the first quarter of the 19th century

Century. – Leningrad University Publishing House, 1965.

4. Prokhorov E.P. Journalism of the Decembrists. – M., 1961.

5. Bazanov V.G. Essays on Decembrist literature. Published

Cystica. Prose. Criticism. – M., 1953.

6. Landa S.S. The spirit of revolutionary change... 1816-

1825. – M., 1975.

7. Fedorov V.A. Decembrists and their time. – Publishing house Moskovs-

Who University, 1992.

8. Esin B.I. Russian history journalism XIX century. –

Free society of lovers of Russian literature - literary- public organization, which existed in St. Petersburg in 1816-1825. It arose on the initiative of a group of young people of bureaucratic rank and was initially conservative in nature. The direction of the society changed dramatically after the election of the poet N.F. Glinka, a prominent figure in the Decembrist Union of Welfare, as chairman (1819). At the same time, the future Decembrists K.F. Ryleev, N.A. took a leading position in society. and A.A. Bestuzhevs, V.K. Kuchelbecker and others. They were joined by N.I. Gnedich, O.M. Somov, A.A. Delvig and others. A.S. Griboedov was accepted as a member of the society. The society had a charter and an extensive library. At the meetings, issues of history, science, art were discussed, interpreted in a civil patriotic spirit; “Dumas” and other poems by Ryleev, stories by A. Bestuzhev and other works of early Decembrist literature were read. Considerable attention was paid to historical works that restored the courageous images of the heroes of the national liberation struggle of the past. Squeezing out reactionary and “well-intentioned” participants, the progressive part of society sought to turn it into a literary center of the Decembrist movement; The importance of this center increased after the dissolution of the Welfare Union in 1821. The society published the magazine “Competitor of Education and Charity,” which was published monthly in 1818-1825 (with some interruptions). It published the works of Ryleev, Glinka, A.S. Pushkin, articles by Somov on romanticism (1823), which were the first attempt to theoretically substantiate the aesthetics of Russian progressive romanticism, essays by N.A. Bestuzhev “Notes on Holland”, etc. The materials of the magazine were usually read and discussed at society meetings. Despite the moderation of the magazine's political program, partly due to censorship reasons, it (after 1821) still expressed the influence of Decembrist ideology: the demand for national identity of literature, the development of historical and patriotic themes, and interest in folk poetry. After the defeat of the Decembrist movement (1825), the activities of the society and the publication of the magazine ceased.

Brief literary encyclopedia in 9 volumes. State Scientific Publishing House " Soviet encyclopedia", vol. 1, M., 1962.

Editions:

Competitor of education and charity, monthly magazine 1818-1825.

Literature:

Bazanov V., Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature, Petrozavodsk, 1949;

Essays on the history of Russian journalism and criticism, vol. 1, L., 1950, p. 210-217.

The beginning of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature (its other name is the Society of Competitors of Education and Charity) was laid by Andrei Afanasyevich Nikitin (1790-1859) - a writer, author of comedy and poetry in the Ossian style. On January 17, 1816, the first meeting was held in his apartment, which was attended by the writers brothers Borovkov and Lyutsenko (Efim Petrovich, poet; his translation of Wieland’s poem “Vastola” in 1836 was published by A. S. Pushkin).

On January 28, F.N. Glinka was accepted into the new society, and in the same year he joined Decembrist organization Union of Salvation, or Society of True and Faithful Sons of the Fatherland (Glinka at the same time was also a rhetorician in the lodge of “Chosen Michael”). Soon Ryleyev, Delvig, Kuchelbecker, Somov, Pletnev, Grech (publisher of the magazine "Son of the Fatherland") came to the Free Society. In this triple union of societies - secret Decembrist, Masonic (the lodge of "Chosen Michael") and literary (the last two are legal) - patriotic ideas were affirmed, inextricably linked with the love of freedom.

The founders of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature began developing a plan for the following major publications:

1) "The Complete Russian Encyclopedia", which contains everything that is known about Russia in relation to history, art, science, literature;

2) “Biographies of many great people of the Fatherland” - a multi-volume edition;

3) A new iconological dictionary with images - this was supposed to be an illustrated history of painting, drawing and engraving;

4) Journal of the works of members of the Society - this publication - "Competitor of Education and Charity" - began to be published in 1819.

The encyclopedia and iconological dictionary projects were not approved by the Minister of Education, who saw here an inappropriate competition between society and the Academy of Sciences, for which works of such magnitude were more appropriate (however, at that time Karamzin was finishing the eighth volume of his grandiose “History of the Russian State” - not an academy or a society, but one man). And yet, members of the Free Society began work on biographies of Russian people. A multi-volume biographical dictionary also did not work out; society did not find support for this either, but a number of biographies planned for the dictionary were placed in “Competitor” - these are the biographies of the poet Petrov, commander Suvorov, I. I. Shuvalov and other domestic figures.

F. N. Glinka published in 1816 in “Son of the Fatherland” “Discussion on the need to have a history Patriotic War 1812" (the first version of this article appeared in S. N. Glinka's "Russian Bulletin" in 1815). "Every thinking mind," Glinka wrote, "would like to have the means to create a complete picture of all the extraordinary incidents that flashed with the brilliance of lightning in thick darkness of this great period... Descendants, with a loud murmur at our carelessness, will demand history... The Russians will especially want to have a living image of that time when the sudden thunder of war awakened the spirit of a great people; when this people, preferring honor and freedom to all the blessings in the world, looked with noble indifference at the devastation of their regions, at the fires of their cities and with unparalleled courage reaped laurels from the ashes and snows of their fatherland... One story triumphs over decay and destruction... O you, mighty opponent of times and occasions, containing the deeds of all peoples and the existence of all centuries, history! prepare the best of your tablets to depict the glory of my fatherland and the exploits of the Russian people! Look what a fiery soul this people, born on the cold snows of the North, showed... A historian of the Patriotic War must be Russian by birth, actions, upbringing, deeds and soul. A foreigner, with all his good will, cannot know Russian history so well, be so intoxicated with the spirit of the great ancestors of the Russians, value so dearly the famous deeds of the past, so vividly feel grievances and admire the glory of the present times.”

In this article, Glinka, starting from the history of the Patriotic War, talks about Russian history in general. He seems to prove the regularity that the history of the Patriotic War is written by A. I. Danilevsky, a participant in it (“The writer must be a witness,” writes Glinka), and the history of Russia is written by N. M. Karamzin.

“A stranger,” writes Glinka, “will involuntarily shirk towards what he has become familiar with from the very beginning.” early years, to the history of the Romans, Greeks and their fatherland. He involuntarily does not give due justice to the conquerors of Mamai, the conquerors of Kazan, the governors and boyars of the Russian land, who lived and died in constant guard of their fatherland. When speaking about the greatness of Russia, a foreigner born in one of the cramped kingdoms of Europe will involuntarily apply his reduced size to everything. He will not involuntarily remember how powerful Russia rests on the vast expanse of the globe. All the gloominess of the North and all the charms of the South are contained within its boundaries... The Russian historian will not utter a single line regarding the properties of the people and the spirit of the time. He will not look at any omens, signs, or guesses about the misfortunes that have happened.”

The first eight volumes of Karamzin's History will be published in 1818. Karamzin, Russian reformer literary language, the language of Russian prose, could take to heart everything that Glinka said in his article, with the exception of the following wish: “The Russian historian will try to expel from his writings all words and even figures of speech borrowed from foreign dialects. He will not tolerate his syllable being dotted with were semi-Russian or not at all Russian words, as is usually the case in the style of statements and military news."

In the papers of P. I. Pestel, a dictionary of terms that had foreign origin has been preserved, with their replacement by Russian ones. Pestel proposes replacements: constitution - state charter; aristocracy - great power; tyranny - evil power; general - governor; theory - speculation; republic - total power; cabinet of ministers - government Duma, etc.

Since 1818, Glinka was in fact the leader of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature; he headed its left, strongest wing and stubbornly pursued patriotic Decembrist ideas.

In 1820-1822, the future Decembrists K.F. Ryleev, A.A. and N.A. Bestuzhevs and A.O. Kornilovich came to the society. Among the members of the society there were already poets Boratynsky, Delvig, Pletnev, Izmailov, Ostolopov, Grigoriev, V. Tumansky.

The name of Bulgarin, which we will mention more than once in this book, should not offend the ear: before the uprising of December 14, 1825, he had not yet been an informant of the Third Section.

Bulgarin was closely acquainted with many future Decembrists, including Ryleev, with whom he studied at cadet corps, although he left there several years earlier. He published Ryleev's poems in the 20s in his magazines "Northern Archive" and "Literary Listki", and Ryleev published Bulgarin's prose in "Polar Star". Sometimes they quarreled, and violently. But Ryleev passed away as a friend of Bulgarin, with faith in his integrity. What confusion he brought into the soul of Bulgarin, who turned away from his friends on that fateful day!.. On the evening of December 14, Ryleev handed him part of his archive for safekeeping. Bulgarin did not transfer it to the Third Department - these materials were published in the 1870s in the magazine "Russian Antiquity".

The Decembrist Union of Welfare ceased to exist - the decision to dissolve it was made in January 1821 at the Moscow Congress. Almost immediately a new society arose - Northern, in St. Petersburg. Ryleev took the direct road to join him.

“The first task of history is to refrain from lying, the second is not to conceal the truth, the third is not to give any reason to suspect oneself of partiality or prejudiced hostility.” “Not knowing history is always being a child.” Cicero Marcus Tullius

ENE material

(St. Petersburg) - Supremely approved under this name at the beginning of the year, founded, with the permission of the government, in the year under the name of the “Free Society of Competitors of Education and Charity.” The goals of the society were, on the one hand, charitable, on the other, literary, with an indispensable concern for the “purity” of the language; The latter circumstance caused Shishkov’s protest during the approval of the society (see his note in “Readings”, g., book 2), who found that the society strives to compete with the Russian Academy, which is why it poses a danger to the latter. Since 1818, the society has published the magazine: “Competitor of Education and Charity. Proceedings of a free society of lovers of Russian literature." All benefits from the publication were determined “by those who, while engaged in the sciences and arts, require support and charity; their widows and orphans of both sexes have equal right for the benefit of the society, which for the same purpose will publish special books useful essays and translations of the most famous classical writers, many already in readiness.” The subscription price for the magazine was 25 rubles, with postage 30 rubles, but since the money went “for benefits poor scientists and students, then, the announcement says, those wishing to contribute to this charitable goal can contribute more than the specified amount per copy.” Offerings flowed into the community quite abundantly; By the way, the empress signed for two copies, contributing 200 rubles. The society provided significant benefits to writers in need; for example, it was given to the novelist V.T. Narezhny (the names are abbreviated in the reports, but in such a way that it is not difficult to guess) - 300 rubles, to the Simbirsk fabulist A.K. Mozdorf - 150 rubles, to some official 200 rubles. etc. We also find the following expenses: “contributed to the local Pokrovsk school for 2 sons of the local tradesman Pavlova 10 rubles.” From among the full members, a chairman, his assistant, a secretary, an executive, a librarian, a treasurer and a censorship committee, consisting of three censors (poetry, prose and bibliography), three members and a secretary, were elected every six months. The meetings of the society were regular and public. The society's meeting house was located in the 4th quarter of the 3rd Admiralty part on Voznesensky Prospect, No. 254. The composition of the society was mixed. There were, of course, almost all modern writers and public figures various directions. The title of “trustees” of the society was held by: Prince A. N. Golitsyn, Count S. K. Vyazmitinov, O. P. Kozodavlev, I. I. Dmitriev, A. D. Balashov and Count V. P. Kochubey, that is, representatives of the police and the Ministries of Public Education, Internal Affairs and Justice. The chairman of the society was at first Count S.P. Saltykov, and from then on constantly F.N. Glinka, and his assistant was A.E. Izmailov. Many members of the society were involved in the Decembrist conspiracy and belonged to the “Union of Welfare,” which should explain that the activities of the society apparently ceased at the end of the year; the magazine was interrupted on the 10th book of 1825 and in the address-calendar for the year there was no longer a list of the composition of the society.

Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature, a literary and social organization that existed in St. Petersburg in 1816-25. From 1819, the future Decembrists F. N. Glinka, K. F. Ryleev, N. A. and A. A. Bestuzhevs, V. K. Kuchelbecker and others took a leading position in it. A. S. Griboedov was accepted as a member of the society . At the meetings, problems of science and art were discussed in a civil patriotic spirit. The society published a monthly magazine, “Competitor of Education and Charity.”

Establishment of a society

Founded, with the permission of the government, in 1816 under the name of the “Free Society of Competitors of Education and Charity.” The goals of the society were, on the one hand, charitable, on the other, literary, with an indispensable concern for the “purity” of the language. The latter circumstance caused a protest from Shishkov, who found that the society was striving to compete with Russian Academy, which is why it poses a danger to the latter. The name was changed to "Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature" at the beginning of 1818. Since 1818, the society published the magazine: “Competitor of Education and Charity. Proceedings of a free society of lovers of Russian literature."

Charity

All income from the publication was directed “to those who, while engaged in the sciences and arts, require support and charity; their widows and orphans of both sexes have an equal right to benefits from the society, which for the same purpose will publish useful works and translations of the most famous classical writers in special books, having many already in readiness.”

Charitable collections flowed into the society quite abundantly; By the way, the empress signed for two copies, depositing 200 rubles with a subscription price of 25 rubles.

The society paid benefits to needy writers. For example, it was given to the novelist V. T. Narezhny - 300 rubles, to the fabulist A. K. Mozdorf - 150 rubles, etc. The following expenses were also recorded: “10 rubles were contributed to the local Pokrovsk School for the 2 sons of the local tradesman Pavlov.” .

Organization

The composition of the society was mixed. Almost all modern writers and public figures of various directions were there.

From among the full members, a chairman, his assistant, a secretary, an executive, a librarian, a treasurer and a censorship committee were elected every six months, consisting of three censors (poetry, prose and bibliography), three members and a secretary.

The title of “trustees” of the society was held by Prince A. N. Golitsyn, Count S. K. Vyazmitinov, O. P. Kozodavlev, I. I. Dmitriev, A. D. Balashov and Count V. P. Kochubey, that is, representatives of the police and Ministries of Public Education, Internal Affairs and Justice.

The chairman of the society was first Count S.P. Saltykov, and from 1819 permanently F.N. Glinka, and his assistant was A.E. Izmailov.

Society meetings were regular and public. The society's meeting house was located in the 4th quarter of the 3rd Admiralteyskaya part on Voznesensky Prospekt, at No. 254.

Disintegration of society

Many members of the society were involved in the Decembrist conspiracy and belonged to the “Union of Welfare”, which should explain that the activities of the society ceased at the end of 1825. The journal of the society was interrupted on the 10th book of 1825 and in the address-calendar for 1826 there is no longer a list of the composition of the society.

Literature

• // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: In 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional ones). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.

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Literary Society in St. Petersburg in 1816 25. Among the members: F. N. Glinka (chairman), K. F. Ryleev, N. A. and A. A. Bestuzhevs, V. K. Kuchelbecker, N. I. Gnedich, A. A. Delvig , A. S. Griboyedov and others ... Big encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Society of Competitors, from 1819 also the Scientific Republic), a literary public organization in St. Petersburg in 1816 25. Meetings of the society were held on Voznesensky Avenue (now Mayorova Avenue, site 41). Since 1819 20 leading place... St. Petersburg (encyclopedia)

Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature- (Society of Competitors, since 1819 also the Scientific Republic), a literary public organization in St. Petersburg in 181625. Meetings of the society were held on Voznesensky Prospekt (now Mayorov Avenue, site 41). Since 181920 leading... ... Encyclopedic reference book"Saint Petersburg"

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- (S. Petersburg) Supremely approved under this name at the beginning of 1818, founded, with the permission of the government, in 1816 under the name of the Free Society of Competitors of Education and Charity. The goals of society were, on the one hand,... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

Literary public organization that existed in St. Petersburg in 1816–25. Initially it was conservative in nature, but after the election of the poet F.N. Glinka as chairman (1819), it changed direction. The society included K.F. Ryleev, N.A. and A... Literary encyclopedia

A literary public organization that existed in St. Petersburg in 1816 25. From 1819, the future Decembrists F. N. Glinka, K. F. Ryleev, N. A. and A. A. Bestuzhevs, V. K. Kuchelbecker and others took the leading position in it. He was a member of the society... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

FREE SOCIETY OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE LOVERS- FREE SOCIETY OF LOVERS OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE, a literary public organization in St. Petersburg (1816 1825). Since 1819, the leading position in it was occupied by F. N. Glinka, K. F. Ryleev, N. A. Bestuzhev and A. A. Bestuzhev, V. K. Kuchelbecker, ... ... Literary encyclopedic dictionary