Alexander Herzen was a Russian writer and thinker, celebrated as the "father of Russian socialism." He is a key figure in the development of agrarian populism and an ideological ancestor to numerous political movements. His autobiography, penned with remarkable grace and energy, stands as a premier example of the genre in Russian literature.
Alexander Herzen's own brilliance and the extraordinary circumstances of his life combine to place his memoirs among the great testimonies of the modern era. his friends and enemies - Marx, Wagner, Mill, Bakunin, Garibaldi, Kropotkin - are brought brilliantly to life;
Alexander Herzen's own brilliance and the extraordinary circumstances of his life combine to place his memoirs among the great testimonies of the modern era. his friends and enemies - Marx, Wagner, Mill, Bakunin, Garibaldi, Kropotkin - are brought brilliantly to life;
The book features a comprehensive collection of contents that outlines its structure and key topics covered. Each section is organized to provide clarity and facilitate easy navigation through the material. It serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking specific information or a general overview of the themes and subjects discussed within the text. The contents are designed to enhance the reader's understanding and engagement with the book's main ideas.
Parts 1 and 2 of "My Past and Thoughts", one of the monuments to Russian literature, comparable to the works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Turgenev. Herzen's adventures in exile are vividly recounted, with rich observation of detail.
Herzen's novel played a significant part in the intellectual ferment of the 1840s. It is an important book in social and moral terms, and wonderfully expressive of Herzen's personality.-Isaiah Berlin Alexander Herzen was one of the major figures in...
Written by Catherine the Great herself, and edited and annotated by the prominent Russian philosopher Aleksandr Herzen, this memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of history's most powerful and enigmatic women. From her rise to the throne to her many romantic affairs, Catherine's story is as captivating as it is illuminating.
Herzen's narrative provides a vivid portrayal of his experiences during exile in Siberia, highlighting the brutal conditions and moments of camaraderie among fellow exiles. His reflections delve into themes of freedom, justice, and individual agency, revealing a profound philosophical outlook shaped by his struggles. The account also serves as a critique of the oppressive Tsarist regime, making it a significant historical document. This work captures not only personal resilience but also the broader political turmoil of 19th-century Russia, appealing to those interested in history and human experience.
Herzen's philosophy centers on individual autonomy and dignity, opposing oppressive societal forces like family and state. His thought evolved from German idealism to radical socialism influenced by French thinkers, envisioning a federation of self-governing communes for an ideal society. Disillusioned by failed European revolutions, he focused on Russia, believing its communal traditions positioned it for socialist transformation. As a 'gentry revolutionary,' he saw the gentry as a progressive force, advocating for a socialism that emphasized individualism within a collective framework.