Letters of I. S. Aksakov about the death of Yu. F. Samarin and the reaction of society to it (introductory article, publication and commentary by D. A. Badalyan)

The introductory article describes the relationship between I. S. Aksakov and Yu. F. Samarin and the addressees of the correspondence published here; presented are the data on the last days of Samarin spent abroad and the circumstances of his death; it is indicated that the content of the published letters is related to the “Speech on Yu. F. Samarin”, uttered by Aksakov on April 18, 1876; noted are Aksakov’s letters on the same topic, which were introduced into scientific circulation. In the first published letters of March 28, March 31, and April 1, 1876, the author speaks of Samarin’s importance for the development of Russian self-consciousness and his participation in solving the most important socio-political problems, including Peasant and City reforms, activities in the Zemstvo and in the Polish Kingdom Aksakov talks about the reaction to the Samarin’s death of the Russian press and society, about his funeral, held on March 30, 1876 in Moscow, describes the experiences of his family and friends of the deceased. He also emphasizes the need to create memories of the life and work of the deceased.