Unknown Dobrolyubov: Russia and Italy in the Life of the Litarary Critic

Abstract

Many of the numerous works devoted to Nikolay Alexandrovich Dobrolyubov, a prominent Russian literary critic and journalist, regard him from a perspective similar to the one expressed in N. A. Nekrasov’s poem in the memory of N. A. Dobrolyubov. They view the critic as intellectual, ascetic, and dispassionate – an exemplar of a public figure. This poetic image has become strongly associated with Dobrolyubov’s personality, yet Dobrolyubov was much more than that: a witty satirizer, talented translator, author, and poet. M. G. Talalay’s book on Dobrolyubov’s Italian period depicts the distinguished critic not only as a versatile author, but also as a cultural phenomenon. The book gives an unusual perspective: Dobrolyubov is not only a bright thinker, but also an ardent lover, a frivolous young man, inspired by the nature of Italy, its rich cultural heritage, and his beloved girl. The trip to Italy was strongly recommended to Nikolai Alexandrovich by his colleagues at the Sovremennik magazine. He went to Italy to improve his failing health and spent the last year of his life in picturesque Florence, Rome, Milan, and Naples. The works included in the collection are very diverse in genre among them are journalism, reportage, political analysis, lyric poetry, satire, parody, and pamphlet. The reviewed book provides annotation to Dobrolyubov’s works written in Italy. Here for the first time are collected together all the prose and poetic works Nikolay Alexandrovich wrote in Italy. Lyric poetry of the period is marked by his love to an Italian girl: he was torn by the desire to start a family life abroad and to continue his work in the magazine. His Motherland needed him, and Dobrolyubov chose to return to Saint Petersburg. Six months later, his untimely death put an end to his desire to serve the common cause. Dobrolyubov’s stay in Italy is an important page in the history of Russian-Italian cultural relations, but, unfortunately, little studied. Of course, it is far from being exhausted by this publication, but the monograph is a significant milestone in its study. The collection of M. G. Talalay Dobrolyubov N. A. Children of Vesuvius: Journalism and Poetry of the Italian Period is a very informative and useful book intended both for researchers of Russian literature and journalism, and for students and teachers of humanities faculties. Its publication is highly welcomed.