“Russian Byzantine” as a “Germanophile” (Germans in the Work and in the Life of K. N. Leont’ev)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to show in an unusual perspective one of the main representatives of Russian conservative thought, K. N. Leont’ev (1831–1891). A careful study of his heritage and biography leads to the conclusion about his deep interest in German culture, scientifi c thought in Germany and sympathy for the German national character (he wanted to instill the best qualities of this nation in his compatriots). Leont’ev also displays “Germanophilism” as a political thinker. This is especially noticeable in his attitude to Bismarck and in his position on “the Ostsee question” (the article points to his hidden polemic with Yu. F. Samarin). At the same time, Leont’ev did not idealize modern Germany, he called it a country without “a great idea”. The article concludes with an overview of all the cases when the Germans became heroes of Leont’ev’s stories and novels or the “subject of discussion” of the characters in these works.