Apollon Maykov. Program of Pictures and Stories from Russian History (Preparation of the text, introductory article and commentary)

Maykov's manuscript, Program of Pictures and Stories from Russian History, preserved in the poet's archive at the Manuscript Department of the Institute of Russian Literature, is introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. This document significantly enhances our understanding of the formation of the idea and concept behind the cycle of Stories from Russian History, which was never fully realized. It also highlights the preconditions that prompted the poet to begin working on historical prose, as well as the reasons he did not complete the cycle. In addition, the document indicates that Maykov considered continuing his work in 1881, envisioning a cycle of historical prose as a topic or his submission for the first Pushkin Prize and, consequently, as one of the pinnacles of his creative activity. On eleven small-format sheets sewn into a notebook, he details the plots and features of ten stories, along with his understanding of the task that determined the principles for selecting historical material and defining the characteristic features of the poetics of individual narratives (stories) and the cycle as a whole. These notes also reveal the context surrounding the beginning and end of his work on published texts. The study of the facts presented in the document - considering its specific purpose as preparation for a report discussing the draft for the first Pushkin Prize - allows us to establish previously unknown aspects of Maykov's life, particularly his involvement from 1860 to 1880 in the activities of the St. Petersburg Committee of the Moscow Literacy Society and the Permanent Commission for arranging Folk Readings. The approval of publications to mass reading required endorsement by a special department of the Academic Committee of the Ministry of Public Education, where Maykov served as a full member and book reviewer. The details uncovered during the examination of documents from the poet's archive indicate his deep interest in and attention to public education issues during the 1870s and 80s, as well as his active participation in relevant institutions. This research is significant for constructing a modern scientific biography of the poet and for studying the nuances of Russian culture during the period of democratic reforms of Alexander II. Finally, the manuscript is noteworthy as it reflects Maykov's understanding of what he considered to be the true pinnacle of his creative journey. Alongside works such as "Two Worlds" and other poems previously mentioned by Maykov, which were included in his lifetime collection, the unfinished cycle Stories from Russian History should also be regarded as a significant part of his oeuvre. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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