Main character of the drama “The Revolution of 1905–1907” in Russia: review of the essay by K. Solovyov "Sergei Witte: a prime minister with ambitions. The fickle count" (Journal Historian, 2024, No. 10)

The biography of the famous reformer S. Yu. Witte has always been of great interest to social scientists, writers, and journalists. His fundamental character traits, life goals, ideals, and dreams have become the subject of many years of debate among researchers. They were especially concerned (and still are) with the question of what gifts of nature and upbringing contributed to Sergei Yulievich's extraordinary career growth. Some found in him "an enormous outlook", others — "administrative talent", others — "good erudition", others — "a rare memory", others — "unprecedented persistence", etc. It was all the more curious to get acquainted with the essay by K. Solovyov, who believes that, firstly, S. Yu. Witte's achievements are not very great, and, secondly, they are often based only on ambitions and the ability to present oneself favorably. Is this so?