xvi, 166 pp. "In the already impressive number of studies of the varied phenomena resulting from the so-called 'Europeanisation' of Russia in the eighteenth century, relatively little attention has been devoted to the problem of intellectual freedom, an important factor affecting all sectors of cultural life and creative endeavour. In attempting to throw some light upon this complex question, the author examines the attitudes and practical policies towards freedom of expression of the contemporary Russian rulers on the one hand, and the aspirations of those elements in society which were concerned with the problem on the other. These factors are viewed in relation to the then available instruments of expression and, consequently, considerable attention is paid to the development of printing and publishing, and to the transactions of that quasi-legislative body, the 'Commission' of 1767-1769. The study concentrates on the reign of Catherine II. One of the main points which emerge is that her policies in the relevant fields were far from being as ambivalent, or downright hypocritical, as is often believed, and that many assumptions that have been made about the restraints to which the Russian writers of the period had been subjected, have little basis in fact. The book contains a great deal of useful and hitherto little-known information, and should prove of interest to all serious students of this important formative period of modern Russian culture." CONTENTS: Preface; Introduction; The First Half of the Century; Erosion of Old Attitudes; The Emergence of the Idea: The Legislative Commission and Its Significance; The Period of Growth -- Theory; The Period of Growth -- Practice; The 'Reaction' of the 'Nineties'; The Balance Sheet of Catherine's Reign Freedom of Expression under Paul I; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.
