P. L. Lavrov’s collaboration with the Russkiye Vedomosti newspaper

Abstract

The article analyzes a little-known aspect of the creative legacy of the prominent Russian revolutionary populist, P. L. Lavrov. Most people know him as a theorist of the populist move ment, philosopher, mathematician, and historian. However, he was also a talented publicist as ev idenced by his collaboration with the liberal newspaper Russkiye Vedomosti, which was popular among intellectuals. P. L. Lavrov’s articles entitled “Letters from London” were published in the newspaper under various pseudonyms for a long period of time, from 1886 to 1897. The article analyzes various aspects of the relationship between the Russian populist and the newspaper’s management, highlighting the caution with which the revolutionary emigrant interacted with the editorial staff. Perhaps this explains why his collaboration with the newspaper is largely un known. Thus, this part of the revolutionary scientist’s legacy remains almost unexplored. In his correspondence, P. L. Lavrov (who lived in Paris and obtained information for his let ters from English newspapers) covered a wide range of social, political, economic, and cultural aspects related to the British Empire. Lavrov undoubtedly tried as much as he could to select information that would be of interest to the liberal reading public. However, despite his efforts to adopt a cautious tone in his writings published in a censored newspaper, his articles clearly reflect his revolutionary views. Therefore, they are crucial for understanding the philosophy and mindset of the Russian populist. Keywords: P. L. Lavrov, Russkiye Vedomosti newspaper, “Letters from London”, liberal in telligentsia, public life, economy, labor movement, political system, British political figures.