Fyodor Dostoevsky and Nikolay Danilevsky: a Dispute About Russia and Europe

In April 1867, Dostoevsky left Russia on a voyage. The writer had a hard time coping with his forced stay abroad for several years. His friends and comrades, A. N. Maikov and N. Strakhov, helped him cope with the difficulties. They kept in touch with Dostoevsky through correspondence, informing him about the events in Russia, and news related to Russian literature and journalism. The writer responded with enthusiasm to the news of the release of the new journal “Zarya” (1869–1872), published by V. V. Kashpirev and edited by N. N. Strakhov. The trademark of the publication was N. Ya. Danilevsky’s work “Russia and Europe,” which was enthusiastically reviewed by the Zarya staff. Dostoevsky had known Danilevsky since the 1840s from V. Petrashevsky’s “Fridays.” The writer enthusiastically accepted the ideas expressed in “Russia and Europe,” but over time he felt alienated from Danilevsky, who, having published a book version of his work, in 1871, practically stopped developing his thoughts and views, refusing polemics and discussions. In a notebook from 1875–1876, Dostoevsky had left a significant note, which the publishers of 83 volumes of Literary Heritage misread. The writer’s inaccurate phrase was widely disseminated in research literature. Dostoevsky criticizes Danilevsky for his inaction. N. Strakhov was a fierce defender of the author of “Russia and Europe.” In the late 1880s, he entered into an unproductive polemic with V. S. Solovyov, which ultimately halted the potential development of the ideas set forth by Danilevsky, who was never able to lead the failed party.