Letters of a Russian Traveler

In 1789—1790, Karamzin took a trip to Europe. During it he visited Immanuel Kant in Königsberg, and he was in Paris during the Great French Revolution. As a result of this journey, the famous “Letters of a Russian Traveler” were written; their publication immediately made Karamzin known as a literary figure. Some philologists believe that modern Russian literature traces its beginning from this book. Be that as it may, in the literature of Russian “journeys,” Karamzin indeed became a pioneer—quickly finding both imitators and worthy successors. That is why Karamzin has been considered one of Russia’s main literary figures ever since.