Lady A. The Englishwoman in Russia (1855)

[crivelli]

I trust that I have done full justice to all the amiable and social excellences of the Russians. Of their other qualities I beg the reader to form his own judgment. "Une nation de barbares polis," said a French gentleman, in speaking of them; but one cannot deny that they possess the good qualities of savages, as well as their bad ones. Perhaps the Muscovite character is the most difficult of any to understand; and after living for years in Russia, it is very possible not to know the Russians. They seem indeed to possess two characters, each distinguished by traits diametrically opposed to those of the other. One may be considered as their private, and the other as their public character; and I cannot pretend to the power of defining them. I have seen a Russian colonel, known for his excessive severity, who would witness unmoved the terrible infliction of the knout, perfectly unable to control his tears at the mimic sorrows of a French actress. He that is mean and dispicable in public life, is often kind, amiable, and liberal at home. He who would be merciless and oppressive to his inferiors, is frequently affectionate to his family and sincere to his friend.

Comments

[baba-studio.livejournal.com]

Hah! The Russian character continues to be a source of discussion - well, here anyway...

and Muscovites are still different!

Thanks for this - a nice discovery, I think I will read bits of it out to Alex (who is not a very typical Russian in any way I have to say).

[crivelli.livejournal.com]

Hope, you'll both enjoy it. There was even earlier lady memoirist writing in English on the same subject: Elisabeth Justice (fine surname, isn't it!). She was a governess in StPeterspurg in 1739. Have you heard about her?

[baba-studio.livejournal.com]

No, I haven't. I did have a great travelogue by another intrepid woman - who went to Georgia among other places (fun for me, as I've been there). But it got lost in the move here - like so much else. Shame really, it was quite an impressive book in that very "English lady" way.

I'll try to find Elisabeth Justice - thanks!

[crivelli.livejournal.com]

In case, you'll remember this Georgian lady's name, please, let me know, I'm very interested in her (as I also have been in Georgia:-)

[baba-studio.livejournal.com]

Sadly, I don't think I will ever remember the name. I'll just have to hope that the book miraculously resurfaces. It is one of those rather "splendid, intrepid" books - I found the description of Georgia really interesting. Must say I loved what I saw of the country, and hope to go back sometime.