Social and Political Press in the Repertoire of the Saratov Book Publishing of 1917

Abstract

Books reflect the era events sometimes much deeper, than the periodical press, become the document of the era and gain value, regardless of the political preferences of the author. The article presents the review of the social and political books and brochures published by the printing enterprises in Saratov after the February events of 1917. Characteristic features of the genres of book editions published by the new authorities, parties and movements of the Saratov province are described. The book repertoire of the publishing houses of Saratov in the revolutionary 1917 considerably reflects the fierce fighting for minds that started in the society between the main political forces after abdication of the Tzar. For adherents of social democracy, it was important as soon as possible to mobilize “heavy artillery”, i. e. to print topical, “iconic” works of the authoritative leaders of Russian and European scale, whose proclivities were on the side of left-wing parties. The printing house “Svetlyi Put’ ” (The Light Way) publishes the brochure by the famous Russian writer V.G. Korolenko “Falling of the Imperial power: the speech to ordinary people about the events in Russia”. The Saratov branch of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) in the provincial lithographic printing orders the release of the article by F. Engels “From Utopia to Scientific Theory” in support of the socialist doctrine, and reissue of the famous work of G.V. Plekhanov “Annual World Holiday of the Workers” about the history and value of the May Day. There is given enumeration and characteristics of the other publications.