Diaries. Kazem-Bek M.L.

The author of the published “Diaries” by M. L. Kazem-bek, nee Tolstaya (1855-1918), is a prominent Orthodox teacher, the head of the Institute of noble girls in Kazan and St. Petersburg. Its records cover several decades of the XIX century and the beginning of the XX century, reflecting the era of the reign of Alexander II, Alexander III and the holy mentor of Nicholas II. The author draws portraits and gives the characteristics of many statesmen, court dignitaries and church hierarchs, figures of science and culture.

on this historical background, the narrative about the life of your own family unfolds. A convinced champion of a single and indivisible Russia, the symphony of the autocracy and the church, M. L. Kazem-bek judges everything as a deeply religious Christian. The image of her impresses the depth of the Orthodox worldview, the subtlety of a patriotic feeling, the height of the aristocratic spirit, and vivid literary talent. All this allows us to talk about the exceptional significance, ideological and artistic value of the “diaries” provided to the publisher Prince Zurabm Mikhailovich Chavchavadze - the great -grandson of the author.