Page:The Spirit of Russia by T G Masaryk, volume 2.pdf/461



N 1909 was published A Collection of Essays concerning the Russian Intelligentsia, this being the subtitle. The main title was Věhy (Signposts). The little volume was issued from Moscow, as if by geographical affiliation to claim connection with the slavophils (and following therein the example set by Pobědonoscev's Moscow Collection!). Several of the authors have been referred to elsewhere in the present work. The most noted among them, in addition to Struve, Bulgakov, and Berdjaev, were: Kistjakovskii, a sociological writer of European reputation; Geršenzon, the literary historian who has paid especial attention to the slavophil movement; Frank, a writer on philosophy; and Izgoev, a writer on philosophico-political topics. Some of those named have published comprehensive works to convey their views on the subjects now under discussion.

A book on the intelligentsia is sure of a hearing. To use an expressive colloquialism, Signposts "caught on." Edition followed edition; a brisk controversy was evoked; lectures were delivered pro and con; newspapers and other periodicals defined their attitude. Further, two detailed replies were published, one from the liberal, the other from the social revolutionary camp.

Signposts may be characterised, to begin with, by saying that it secured a friendly reception from theological critics, and that Archbishop Antonii of Volhynia wrote an article commending the book shortly after its appearance. He extolled the heroism of the authors, who had, he said, called