Михаил Меньшиков и Яков Полонский: история взаимоотношений

Abstract

Due to the close attention of many researchers to the crisis period, a turning point for the Russian society of the late 19th – early 20th centuries, at the present stage of the humanities, it has become necessary to study in detail the biography and comprehend the creative heritage of the outstanding Russian journalist and critic M.O. Menshikov (1850–1918). The author provides previously unknown insights into the life and work of the popular publicist – the relationship with Ya.P. Polonsky. Based on the extensive material of Menshikov`s articles and diary, as well as his correspondence with Ya.P. Polonsky and the works of the poet, the point that Polonsky, in 1891–1898, contributed to Menshikov's gradual shift to conservative ideas, is conceptually substantiated. The Russian poet, with his letters, remarks during communication, advice, reaction to the texts of the publicist influenced his worldview and spiritual growth, contributed to the formation of conservative ideals in his work. Menshikov defended the European liberal ideals in the rather controversial article “Two Truths” (1893) written about Polonsky’s poem “Dogs”, but in his obituary dedicated to the poet (1898) he appeared as the heir to the conservative Russian tradition.