The Protocols of the Sages of Zion: The Discovery of the Protograph

Cesare G De Michelis

doi:10.36253/studi_slavis-11387

Abstract

In the Illarion Ivanovič Voroncov-Daškov’s Collection, preserved in the manuscript section of the Central Library in Moskow, the Russian historian Ljubov’ Ul’janova came across a typewritten version of the Protocols of the Sages of Zion; the copy shows shows handwritten corrections and additions of terms recurring in the printed tradition. Such a discovery demonstrates that this very copy is the earliest, the original version which can be attributed to the environment of Georgij Butmi, whose handwriting appears to be the same as that used in the corrections found in the typewritten version in Moscow. This typewritten copy confirms definitely that The Protocols of the Sages of Zion were elaborated in Russia and not in Paris.

Highlights

Ul'janova came across a typewritten version of the Protocols
the copy shows shows handwritten corrections and additions of terms recurring in the printed tradition
Such a discovery demonstrates that this very copy is the earliest

Summary

Introduction

Per lungo tempo (ancora all’inizio di questo secolo) la pubblicistica sui Protokoly Sionskich Mudrecov (psm) ha ritenuto più importante la storia del loro uso – intendendo con ciò principalmente i drammi dell’antisemitismo europeo nel xx secolo, fino alla shoa – che la ricerca sulla loro origine, dando per buona, pur con qualche incertezza, la versione tuttora ricorrente nei manuali e nelle enciclopedie, cioè la compilazione (in francese) da parte di agenti dell’Agenzia estera dell’Ochrana a Parigi, diretta da P.I. Račkovskij.

Results

Conclusion