A figure of the highest philological aerobatics. Review of the work: Chronicle of the life and work of K. N. Leontyev (1831-1891) / Comp. O. L. Fetisenko. St. Petersburg: Vladimir Dal, 2022. Part 1: 1831-1880. 704 pp.; part 2: 1881-1891. 735 pp. (Leontyev K. N. Complete collection of works and letters: in 12 volumes. Appendix. Books III and IV)

In a review of the fundamental work “Chronicle of the life and work of K. N. Leontyev (1831-1891)”, prepared by O. L. Fetisenko, the issue of the scientific research base of the publication is clarified. It is noted that the “chronicle” for the first time widely shows the writer’s family and friendship environment; many quotes are given from the unpublished epistolary. The researcher’s innovative approach to the matter is analyzed: the “chronicle” is not just a reference book with a set of facts that have documentary evidence, but a coherent narrative, distinguished by a variety of living details. Thanks to this, it is possible to recreate the image of the real Konstantin Leontiev with his rich inner world, strengths and weaknesses, to understand what surrounded him, what shaped him as a person and what was dear to his heart. It is stated that the work under review has important properties of a scientific biography. Among the innovations in the genre of “chronicles” carried out by O. L. Fetisenko, an appendix with unique biobibliographic lists is indicated.