A Collection of Letters from A. Y. Krymsky to V. R. Rozen Preserved in the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Archive

Abstract

The article provides an insight into the collection of letters sent by the thenyoung Orientalist Agathangel Krymsky (russ. Agatangel Efimovich Krymskii, ukr. Ahatanhel Yukhimovych Kryms’kii; 1871–1942 to Professor H.E. Baron Viktor v. Rosen (russ. Viktor Romanovich Rozen; 1849–1908). Both scholars rank at the top in the Russian Orientalist studies in the last century. The collection of letters preserved at the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Archive comprises 15 items. Most of the letters date back to the period between 1898 to 1906. The letters provide a vivid illustration of academic life and contacts between the scholars in the Former Russian Empire, as well as kind attention of Baron v. Rosen to his junior colleague. They equally portray Professor Krymsky’s unrivaled learning and ability to accept criticism, attention to detail, everything, which significantly contributed to his astonishing scholarly career and international reputation. The creative spirit of the Russian Orientalism at the fin de sièclepreserved in this collection is illustrated by the two letters from Krymsky to Rosen published as an appendix.