“Katkov... Is Just Right for the Public”: Correspondence Between L. N. Tolstoy and M. N. Katkov in the 1850s–1860s

Abstract

The article analyzes the correspondence between L. N. Tolstoy and M. N. Katkov, which has not yet been studied and commented on in detail in science. The author of the article consistently presents the history of interaction between correspondents, reveals the context of the correspondence, and shows the difficulties that arose during communication and their reasons. There is a difference in the worldview andcharacters of the writer andthe publisher; however, several factors particularly attracted Tolstoy to Katkov and his publications in the late 1850s and early 1860s. The article states a certain conditional dependence of the writer on the editor and comprehends the possible influence of Katkov’s newspaper and journal on Tolstoy in different periods. For Tolstoy, Katkov, throughout the entire period of their communication, continued to remain the most public person, a leader and at the same time serving the public, but Tolstoy needed his work and capabilities precisely to communicate with a wide audience.

Keywords

• l. n. tolstoy
• m. n. katkov
• correspondence
• correspondents
• editorial policy
• readership
• “russian bulletin"
• public