Pyotr Chaadayev (1794–1856)

Pyotr Chaadayev (1794–1856)

As a result of the publication of Pyotr Chaadayev’s first Philosophical Letter in Teleskop (Telescope) magazine in 1836, the magazine was closed, its editor was sent into exile and the author was declared insane. The work contained harsh criticism of Russia in terms of the supremacy of the Catholic West, which provoked strong public reaction and marked the beginning of the division of the Russian thought into Westernism and Slavophilism.

The collection, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Russian philosopher and publicist, features his works, correspondence, biographical materials and studies dedicated to him.