Sovremennik Magazine about the Railways (socio-economic analysis)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the poetic works of the Russian authors of the middle 19th century, who published in Sovremennik [The Contemporary; the literary and socio-political magazine founded in 1836] and extensiv ely reviewed the topic of construction of railways in the Russian Empire. Citing selected fragments of works of A. S. Pushkin, N. A. Nekrasov, N. A. Dobrolyubov, A. A. Fet, Ya. P. Polonsky, helps to present the socio-economic analysis of the problems associated with construction of first railways in Russia, as they were seen by Sovremennik authors. The conclusion is made that Sovremennik authors regarded the topic of construction and operation of railways as one of the most socially significant and promising. Editorial note. Instead of a review of a scientific or educational edition traditionally suggested under that heading we publish the original analysis of the works of Russian writers and poets of 19th century made from the point of view of the history of transport and particularly of socio-economic aspects of its development. The publication might confirm the importance of transport industry, that enjoyed widespread attention two centuries ago, as it does it nowadays.