Libraries of Russia: “History of Russian diplomacy and Irkutsk province. XVII - XXI cc.” exhibition

Within the framework of the Diplomatic Worker’s Day celebration, established by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 2002, the historical and cultural heritage department of the Irkutsk State Oblast Universal Scientific Library is launching a presentation of the interdepartmental exhibition of rare and valuable books called “History of Russian diplomacy and Irkutsk province. XVII - XXI cc.”.

The exhibition will highlight the milestones of the 400-year history of diplomatic ties, international and trade relations of Russia with China, Mongolia, and Japan, where Irkutsk played a key role. The exposition will display over 65 books and articles on the history of diplomacy and foreign affairs, provided by the Irkutsk State Oblast Universal Scientific Library, as well as books and photographs from the Irkutsk Oblast Local Museum. Among the unique editions in old leather bindings – Descriptions of the Chinese and Japanese Empires in German (1748, 1749); Chinese Alphabet book and the teaching of Confucius (1779), translated into Russian.

The work of Francois de Callieres, Councilor to the King in Council, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France “On the Manner of Negotiating with Princes…” (1772), translated into Russian, - is a kind of a guidance for diplomatic workers. Old yellowed pages highlights the manner the Ambassador should speak, focuses the reader’s attention on the quality of truthfulness, fair sprit, obedience and courtesy, eloquence,  Ambassador’s apparent decency, peacefulness, quietness, kind-heartedness, touches upon the question whether women are able to represent the country,and describes Ambassadors’ wives etc.

The foreign literature department will display a booklet “Russia – Japan: pages of history”, which is to mark 155^th anniversary of the Treaty of Shimoda signing. The booklet contains an original treaty’s text as well as commentaries on the contribution of Ye. V. Putyatin into development of diplomatic relations. The presentation will bring together the Deputy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia in Irkutsk L. A. Kurbatova, General Consuls of Mongolia, China, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Poland, the Consul of Honour of the Republic of Lithuania, and Irkutsk scientists.