Julius Martov and his times [Review: Litvin A.L., Uri­lov I.Kh. Julius Martov. A History of Life and Work. 1873–1923. Moscow, Sobranie, 2021. (In Russian)]

Abstract

This review focuses on the problematics, structure, and key points of A.L. Litvin and I.Kh. Urilov’s major monograph on the history of the life and work of Julius Osipovich Martov (1873–1923), the prominent Russian revolutionary and the leader of the Mensheviks. It reads as a historical biography in the context of the political events that occurred in Russia during the early 20th century. Of special interest is the specific approach employed by the authors: in order to build a psychological portrait of the main character, they refer to a variety of diverse sources, emphasize the pivotal moments in his life, and hunt for the driving force behind his actions. The analysis of Ju. Martov’s fate lifts the curtain on the history of the social democratic movement in Russia as a choice made between an authoritarian and democratic model of political order. The authors reflect on the importance of adhering to moral principles in politics. The monograph is highly relevant and useful for reconstructing the development of socialist ideas and their influence on the world order.

Keywords

• history of russia in the 20th century
• political parties
• russian social democratic labor party
• mensheviks
• ju.o. martov
• historical biography