Alexander Radishchev’s 1790 Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow portrays a thoughtful exploration of the Enlightenment principles of equality, justice, and advancement rather than a mere travelogue of the 450-mile journey between two significant cities in late 18th-century Russia. This renowned work by Radishchev, who served as a civil servant and also engaged in poetry, nonfiction, and philosophy, artfully weaves together dialogues from fellow travelers, excerpts from texts advocating for utopian social reform, and surreal dream sequences to critique the societal structure in Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great, particularly focusing on the exploitation of serfs.
The daring nature of the text led to Radishchev initially being sentenced to death, later changed to a life in exile, though he might not have anticipated such severe consequences. Catherine, who assumed the throne in 1762, initially presented herself as an enlightened autocrat, but her progressive ideals waned following the fall of the French monarchy. Consequently, Radishchev’s work faced censorship throughout the 19th century. However, post the Bolshevik revolution, he was revered as Russia’s first anti-monarchist martyr.
Despite its historical significance, the book remains relatively obscure outside of Russian studies due to its challenging language and syntax in the original Russian. The latest translation by Irina Reyfman and Andrew Kahn addresses this issue by presenting Radishchev’s complex prose in a more accessible English, allowing a broader readership to engage with the text and grasp its intended meaning.
Radishchev’s Journey challenges readers to question the superficial allure of physical beauty, social harmony, and material wealth, portraying them as deceptive facades that mask the fundamental equality of all individuals and the moral injustice of serfdom. He aims for readers to internalize this moral outrage, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to deeply feel the inequities present in society.
The narrator’s journey in the narrative delves into both physical and psychological realms, illustrated through a dream where the protagonist is a ruler surrounded by extravagance but ultimately confronted by a truth-revealing “Straight Seer and Eye Doctor.” This dream sequence serves as a metaphorical truth serum, urging readers to confront uncomfortable realities rather than being swayed by superficial appearances.
Journey is firmly rooted in the Enlightenment era, drawing inspiration from literary figures like Laurence Sterne and philosophical thinkers such as Adam Smith, David Hume, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The new translation offers a valuable resource for students interested in Russian literature, history, and the Enlightenment period. Beyond academia, Radishchev’s work resonates with contemporary issues of societal injustice, prompting readers to reflect on the enduring struggle between belief in human goodness and the pervasive presence of structural inequity across different historical contexts. Reyfman and Kahn successfully preserve the distinct style and moral indignation of Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow, underscoring Radishchev’s unwavering dedication to conveying his message, regardless of the consequences.
Home Non-Fiction Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow by Alexander Radishchev, translated by Andrew...
