Writer, thinker, revolutionary, scientist, publicist, founder of Russian unexpurgated publishing, and the forefather of political emigration in Russia—Alexander Herzen (Iskander). For nearly sixteen years, he worked on his most important work: the autobiographical novel “Past and Thoughts.” The author himself called this book a confession, “about which… stopped thoughts from those Past and Thoughts have gathered… there,” as he put it. But in reality, Herzen, with his artistic talent, depth of thought, and fine psychological analysis, created a true encyclopedia reflecting the everyday life, morals, and the social, literary, and political life of Russia in the mid-19th century.
The novel “Past and Thoughts” is a mirror of human life and society—and is recognized as a masterpiece of world memoir literature. The book is performed by Vyacheslav Gerasimov.