Novikov, Nikolai Ivanovich (27.04 (08.05) .1744 – 7.31.1818) – a famous public figure of the last century, was born in the village Avdotya (Bronnitsy district, Moscow province) in the family sufficient landowner, a few years he studied in Moscow at the university gymnasium, but in 1760 r "for laziness and nehozhdenie in class was excluded from the" French class.
In early 1762 Novikov joined the Izmailovo Regiment and as a sentry at the drawbridge Izmailovskiy barracks on the day of the accession of Catherine II, was made a non-commissioned officers. Already during his service in the regiment Novikov showed "a taste for literary sciences" and the propensity to Book Business: published two translations of the French novel and the sonnet (1768).
In 1767 Novikov was one of the young people who are in the committee members for a new Code has been charged with keeping minutes; order is the Empress as a matter of high importance and directed "to the tent of the protocol to determine especially the nobility of talent."
Novikov has worked in a small commission on average, people like that, and also in a large committee. Participation in the work of the commission certainly shared its Novikova with many important issues put forward by Russian life, and the terms of the Russian reality. When reports of the Commission Novikov became personally known to Catherine.
In 1768 Novikov retired and after that began to publish a weekly satirical magazine "Drone" (1769 – 70, 3rd ed. P. Efremov, St. Petersburg., 1865). He joined the fight against the then dominant in Russian society Francophile that of the entire French educational philosophy of the eighteenth century. learned only one Voltairean laughter, turning it into indiscriminate banter.
Journals Novikov provide vivid images of lions and lionesses then the great world, fops and dandies, petimetrov and coquettes. "Drone" spent thinking about the injustice of serfdom, arming against landlord abuses of power, lashed out injustice, bribery, etc., to denounce against a very influential spheres, for example against the courtiers. On the subject and content of the satire "Drone" entered into polemics with the "odds and ends", the body itself Empress in the controversy that attended and other journals, divided into two camps.
"Miscellaneous" preached moderation, forbearance for weakness, condemning "any persons graze. "Drone" stood for brave, open rebuke. The fight, however, was uneven, "Drone" at first was moderate tone, absolutely refuse to discuss the peasant question, and then completely stopped, not by the will of the publisher.
In 1772 Novikov was made with a new satirical magazine – "a painter," the best periodical of the last century (seven books, including two in this century, the latest edition of P. Efremov, St. Petersburg., 1864). Such success of the magazine itself Novikov explained by the fact that he came to taste townspeople, because – he added – we are only book the fourth and fifth editions are printed, that this simple-hearted people for their ignorance of Outlandinsh languages like.
"The Painter" spent the same ideas as the "Drone": a number of articles, some of whom belonged to the IP Turgenev, others attributed Radishchev, he strongly and passionately fought against serfdom. Soon "The Painter" was forced to change the tone, replacing the living satire on contemporary mores serious articles of abstract content, and then completely stopped (1773). A new attempt in that direction was made by Novikov for a smaller program: in 1774 it started publishing a "purse" (reissued by AN Afanasyev 1856), the magazine specifically directed against the Francophile. His attacks against the mores of secular society aroused strong dissatisfaction in court circles, and the magazine stopped at the ninth cipher, to do with the publisher, according to tradition, was subjected to harassment and personal.
Counterweight fashionable French education Novikov tried to find in the virtues of the ancestors, in the moral level and strength of the old Russian began. That is why Novikov simultaneously with the satirical magazines published a number of historical books, which should help strengthen national identity and to "mark the manners and customs of our ancestors, so that we might know" the great spirit in their decorated with simplicity. "
These are: "Ancient Russian Vivliofika, or collection of various ancient works, like a fact: The Russian embassy in other states, rare letters, descriptions of the wedding.ceremonies and other historical and geographical memorability, and many works of ancient Russian poets (published monthly, 1773 – 75, 2 ed. 1788 – 91; new. Vol. Mishkin, 1894), "Ancient Pocciyskaya Idrografiya" (vol. 1, 1773; description of Muscovy, compiled at Theodora Alexeyevich), "The narrator of the antiquities collection of Russian or memorable notes on the history and geography of Russia" (p. 1, 1776; materials from it then entered the 2-ed. Vivliofiki), "stories of innocent prison Boyar A. Matveev (Moscow, 1776, 2 ed., 1795), "The Scythian history of various foreign historians, much less the same from the Russian faithful stories and stories from Andrew Lyzlov hard work composed and written by the summer of 1692" (1776; 2 nd edition, Moscow, 1787, as "idrografiya", published with a view to exposing the unjust views of those who thought and wrote that until the time of Peter the Russian had no books, except the church).
Novikov was aware of the need for the publication of historical monuments palaeographical accuracy, set raznorechy, compiling indexes, etc., are sometimes included with these techniques for the use of multiple lists (for example Idrografii), but his publication of acts and chronicles printed in the "Vivliofike" and at one time acknowledged defective. However, this does not diminish the historical significance "Vivliofiki, still represents a significant scientific interest. The material for their publications monuments Novikov drew from the Archive of private, church and state to which access is allowed Novikov Empress in 1773, Novikov and myself made a collection of manuscripts of historical content. Many materials afforded him Miller, Vol. Shcherbatov Bantysh-Kamensky and others, as well, and Catherine II, who supported publication of "Vivliofiki" with generous subsidies.
The relationship of the Empress to Novikov during this period of his activity, of course, differed favor. According to AI Nezelenova, Novikov impressed thought "stuff" that it is better to correct the image of the good examples of manners than of satyrs – hence his historical publications; Empress in turn, in his early comedies flagellate (although weaker " Drone "), Francophile and cruel treatment of serfs and, to a certain extent, imbued with a love of Russian antiquity. In view of its Russian past Novikov not always stable. The ancient Russian sovereigns, in his words, "like he foresaw that the introduction in Russia of Sciences and Arts naidragotsenneyshee Russian treasure – like ruin forever," but at the same time he was – an ardent follower of Education, an admirer of Peter the Great and the people, the names of writers, works which benefited the Russian enlightenment, he lovingly put them in his own "Experience Historical Dictionary of Russian Writers"; appeared in the 1772 exodus from these fluctuations and contradictions Novikov found in freemasonry. The first connection Novikov Freemasonry began in St. Petersburg.
Friends back in 1775 to invite him in Freemasonry, but Novikov hesitated, not wanting to be bound by an oath, the subject of which he was unknown. Masons are obviously very dear to the entry Novikov, because, contrary to its rules, told him the contents of the first
three "degrees" before its entry into the box. Novikov, however, was not satisfied Yelagin system, in which he entered, and only later he found the "true" Freemasonry in the Reichel, in which "everything was drawn to the morality and self-knowledge."
In 1777, Novikov issued 22 № № "St. Petersburg scientists Vedomosti (2 ed. AN Neustroeva, St. Petersburg., 1873), published weekly and servility to the first period of his activity. It was a scientific journal and literary criticism, set himself to one side to bring together Russian literature and science to the learned world of the West, on the other – display services domestic writers, especially historical ones. Moral element in the "Gazette" is very weak, but it becomes dominant in the morning light "(1777 – 80), a monthly magazine, which Novikov, stopping the" Times ", began to publish in September 1777, first in St. Petersburg, and from April 1779 – in Moscow. Here were the "night as" Jung, "views" of Pascal, but mostly translations from German writers, moralists, Pietists and mystics.
"Morning Light" published Novikov, with the assistance of a circle of associates, among whom were MN Ants and IPTurgenev, and moreover with the objectives of charities: the entire income from publications intended for the device and content in Petersburg initial public schools. This has already affected two key features of the later work Novikova: ability to organize a public initiative and desire to work for the benefit of education.
Message to the subscribers of the journal, with an invitation to promote the formation of schools, led to an abundant inflow of donations. Already in November 1777 Novikov was discovered church school Vladimir Mother of God at 30 or 40 people. With boarders and day-boy, pay and gifts, then called Catherine. The following year was opened the second school (Alexandrov, at Church of the Annunciation on Vasilevsky Island). Both schools still existed in 1782 (in favor of them were published, followed the "Morning light", "Moscow Edition" and "sunset"); their fate is unknown.
In 1779 KHERASKOV, who was the curator of Moscow University and also a Freemason, suggested Novikov hire university press and publication of the Moscow Gazette. Novikov moved to Moscow, and here comes the third and most brilliant period of his activity. In Moscow, Novikov met a circle of Masons, of people dedicated to the same interests of morality and self-knowledge (VI Lopukhin, SI Gamaleja, IE Schwarz, Vol. Trubetskoy and Cherkasskiyy, IP Turgenev, several university professors , Princess of VA Trubetskaya). In this group theoretical thought Novikov finally plunged into Freemasonry, and not stopping in front of Rosicrucianism with his alchemical fantasies. But that mystique has not stopped and has not prevented the educational activities of Novikov, who found great support in IE Schwarz, with whom Novikov became a lifetime, until death Schwarz, inseparable.
Quickly put in order and greatly expanding the university press, Novikov, less than three years, published it has more books than what came out of her at 24 years of existence before entering into the hands of Novikov. In addition to publishing books, Novikov raised and the importance of the Moscow Gazette, which began to make the addition of diverse content, the number of subscribers has increased sevenfold (from 600 to 4000).
In 1781 Novikov published sequel to "morning light", called "Moscow monthly publication, then followed in 1782," The Evening Dawn ", in 1784 – 85 years. "Trudolyubets at rest", which Novikov resumed his struggle with serfdom. Its publishing activities he wanted to create a sufficiently abundant and easily accessible stock of useful and entertaining reading for a broad range of readers, not limited to the promotion of their mystical beliefs.
At the 448 titles of books published Novikov, there are 290 secular books, and then a large number of books of spiritual content, not related to Freemasonry. Assuming that the printing press "The most sublime from all inventions and social initiative reliable weapon to spread education and Novikov, even in the" painters "in 1773 suggested the establishment of the Company, were trying to printing of books.
This idea, to fill by the idea of the Schwarz-trained, through force of university, reliable teachers, was conducted in "Friendly Learned Society, which later merged with the typographic company established in 1784 with a joint capital of 57 500 p. in with the coming of Novikov stock of books in the p 320000. on the sales price. Annual revenues exceed 40000 p., Reaching in some years, p 80000. And after the closure of the company in 1791, despite an extensive marketing published her books, they still remained nearly at the p 700000., Not counting the 16,856 books burning after it (as malignancy), and 7158 books transferred to the University and Zaikonospassky Academy. In order to reduce the cost of books Novikov entered into relations with all of the then bookstores, commissioners would start, let booksellers concessional goods on credit, sometimes tens of thousands of copies, arranged the book trade not only in provincial cities, but even in villages. In Moscow, which until then existed only two bookstores, with a turnover of 10000 River., With Novikov and under the influence of their number had risen to 20, and the books they sold at 200 thousand annually.
He also established the first library in Moscow for reading.In a society where even the title of the writer's considered shameful, one had to have at a fraction of the determination to become a printer, and book dealer and see these activities as their patriotic mission. People close to the time and to the very Novikov claimed that he had not disseminated, and created in us a love for learning and desire to read. Through caused them to intensify the work of translators, writers, publishing houses, bookstores, books, magazines, and their excited chatter, it has become, to quote Kluchevsky, break it with what was still unknown Russian knowledge-based society: public opinion. Along with book-publishing companies were Novikov and teacher-charitable activities of his circle.
The latter reached the highest development in a famine in 1787, when Novikov on a large scale provided assistance to the hungry. Vehicles delivered to the Guards officer Gregory Maximovich Pohodyashin son Verkhoturye coachman and the Urals mine-owners, who gave at the disposal of the Novikov all his huge fortune, and dying in poverty, indulged his last moments so that, with emotion stared at the portrait Novikova, pointing out a true way lives.
Effort and being able to connect people to the joint labor, Novikov awakened independence of Russian society. This was the source of his success, but at the same, under the terms of the time, and was the cause of his death. Activity Novikov was in full bloom, when over him was about to storm. First of all, said to him the claim (in 1784) the commission of public schools for reprinting some of the textbooks, it published. Novikov did so on the orders of Moscow Chief Chernyshev and not for profit but for the fact that the sale was enough textbooks at a cheap price, but Chernyshev, meanwhile, is dead, and Novikov had to issue a commission fee. Printed Novikov "negative" history of Jesuits, who protected the Empress, was banned.
In 1785 it was commanded to draw up an inventory of publications Novikov and transmit them to the Moscow apxiepiskopa Plato, who was also to test the faith of the Novikov. In his report (January 1786) apxiepiskop Plato section of the Novikov into three categories: one he considered most useful when the poverty of our literature; other, mystical, he, in his words, did not understand others, compiled by the French encyclopedic knowledge, he believed malign.
On Faith Novikov Plato wrote: "I pray to God,
gracious to all over the world were Christians such as Novikov. In March 1786 Novikov was again permitted to trade books, but some of them were sealed. Review of Plato to dispel mistrust Catherine to Novikov. More Long before the expiration of Novikov rental university press Empress more than once repeated the order to printing more Novikov did not give. Loss of university press (1789) was very sensitive to Novikov, while in possession of his printing house and left the company. In 1790, in Moscow was appointed commander of the Prince Prozorovsky, an ignorant man, suspicious, cruel, also advanced servility. He sent Novikov denunciations that led the administration to Moscow, Count Bezborodko for covert investigations; Bezborodko but found no reason to prosecute Novikov.
In 1791 Novikov was, however, terminate the existence of typographic company. In April 1792 Prozorovsky decree was sent to investigate, does not print if Novikov, contrary to the law, books, church press. Prozorovsky sent to arrest of Novikov, who was seriously ill lived in Avdotyin, Hussar command was so scared children Novikov, that they whole life after suffering nervous crises. Finding no evidence against Novikov Prozorovsky requested the dispatch of the famous investigator of the time, Sheshkovskogo, and represented the discomfort referral Novikov ordinary court.
Even before the investigation by the decree of Empress May 10, 1792 had ordered clandestinely transported Novikov Schlusselburg Fortress, where the interrogations did he Sheshkovsky. Finally, on Aug. 1, 1792 Empress has signed a decree on the conclusion Novikov Schlusselburg stronghold for 16 years.
The decree stated that this decision was softening "merciless" killing (ie,death), which he would be subject to the strength of laws for their own "and actually found them recognized the crime," although he did not open another secret of his designs. From bake. that is in the II "Compendium of historical. Society questionnaires items which have been delivered Novikov, and his answers show that Novikov was accused of" heinous split "self-serving deceptions in the work of Masonic (which was not prohibited either before or after) in dealings with Görzig Braunschweig et al aliens (these relations were exclusively Masonic and no political significance were not), in contact with lead. book. Pavel Petrovich (intercourse of Freemasons with the Grand Duke confined brought him several books, which he wanted to have).
All these accusations decree on August 1 applies not only to Novikov, and all his accomplices-Masons; suffered the same one only Novikov, although he was not even considered the head of the Moscow Masons. Strictly against one of Novikov was billed in violation of this in 1786, the subscription does not sell books recognized by malicious, but there was no "state" of the crime, and no less to blame were the booksellers, who knew that they were taking a banned book and Novikov even they themselves had asked for them. Even the book. Prozorovsky was struck outcome of the case Novikov: "I do not understand the end of this case – he wrote Sheshkovskomu: how closest accomplices, if he was a criminal, then those criminals.
Another Karamzin, who expressed sympathy for the fate of the Novikov in his ode to Grace, was searching for the causes of condemnation Novikova not formally charges against him and, incidentally, in the first place set to distribute bread to the starving Novikov, who seemed suspicious, he did not know the source of spent with the funds. Most likely, that Novikov suffered for all his, too, for of that time, an independent public activity. Four and a half years spent in the fortress Novikov, very sore in the fundamentals, even in medicine, although it concluded selflessly shared Dr. Bagrjanskii.
Emperor Paul I on the first day of her reign released Novikov. Novikov was taken to the fortress is in full development of his strength and energy, and walked out "a decrepit old sogben. He was forced to give up all social activities and, until his death (July 31, 1818) has lived almost continuously in his Avdotyin, caring only about the needs of their peasants, their education, etc. In Avdotya still preserved a grateful memory of him . (See this article. Yartseva in "historical. Vestn.", 1894, № 11).
See Longinus, "N. and Moscow. Martinists" (Wiley, 1867), non-green, "Nick. Iv. N., publisher of magazines in 1769 – 85 years." (St. Petersburg, 1875); his own, "N. in Schliesselburg Fortress" ("historic. Vestn.", 1882, № 12), Art. Yakushkin in the collection society Lovers of Russian Literature "fix it" on the 1895 (Moscow, 1895); Klyuchevskii, "Recollection P. and his time" ("Russian Thought", 1895, № 1); "Pypin," The Times Catherine II "(" Vestn. Europe ", 1895, № 7). VN watchman in the" Book Science.