Footnotes[1]The name is pronounced Aksākoff, not Aksăkoff, and his birthplace is called by RussiansOo-fá, notYéw-fa.[2]"Father," a title of respect or affection.[3]100dessyatines= 270 acres.[4]Aroubleis worth about 2s.[5]Bagroff is a pseudonym for Aksakoff.[6]Bagrovo is a pseudonym for Aksakovo.[7]The earliest Russian chronicles report that the Russian empire was founded in the 8th century by certain foreign princes calledVaryags. The nationality of these princes has been a subject of endless controversy, some historians maintaining that they were Norsemen, others denying it.[8]Averstis two-thirds of a mile.[9]Pronounce Dyáw-ma.[10]June 29.[11]Aksakoff himself.[12]Mare's milk, fermented.[13]Na-sya-gai = "Pursuer."[14]I.e.the author, who in childhood was called Seryozha (short for Serghéi).[15]This word from S. Africa seems best for an unroofed veranda, such as this was.[16]An urn, with a central receptacle for hot charcoal. In this case, the receptacle is inserted where the teapot lid should be.[17]A diminutive form of Tatyana.[18]The author's father, called throughout Alexyéi; his real name was Timoféi (Timothy). So his mother, whose name was Márya (Mary) is called Sofya (Sophia).[19]The inner bark of the lime-tree, used for many purposes in Russia.[20]A drink made of malt and rye.[21]The author's father.[22]A nickname: "Little Chatterer," a diminutive ofboltún.[23]She had got this nickname ("the town-woman") because she had spent part of her youth in some town.[24]After harvest is the normal time for peasants' marriages.[25]Asoldatkais a woman whose husband is away serving in the Army.[26]A famous general in the reign of Catherine II. and a great popular hero.[27]A short form of Praskovya, which itself represents the Greek name Paraskeva.[28]A diminutive form of Grigóri (Gregory).[29]Anikonis a sacred image, kept in a church or hung on the wall of a room.[30]The asterisks apparently imply that the author is unwilling to report some details of this orgy.[31]I.e. mother, a term of affection and respect.[32]From here to the end of the paragraph was removed by the censor from the early editions of the work.[33]Pugatchoff was a Cossack, who raised a formidable rebellion in East Russia; taken prisoner by Suvóroff, he was executed at Moscow in 1775.[34]The popular form of Xenia; the diminutive is Aksyutka.[35]The author's father.[36]A pet name for Sofya (Sophia). This is the author's mother, whose real name was Márya.[37]Buchan'sDomestic Medicinewas published in 1769; the author died in 1805.[38]In general, my grandfather had little belief in witchcraft. A wizard once told him that a gun was charmed and would not go off. He took out the shot secretly and fired at the wizard, who got a great fright. But he recovered and said that my grandfather himself was "a man of power"; and this was generally believed, except by Stepan Mihailovitch. (Author's note.)[39]I know the letter nearly by heart. It probably still exists among the old papers of one of my brothers. Some expressions in it are clearly borrowed from the novels which Alexyéi Stepanitch was fond of reading. (Author's note.)[40]The sacred image is often held by the person giving the blessing.[41]The Russianised form of an oriental name, Mirza Khan.[42]Devout Russians kiss a priest's hand.[43]I.e.Stepanitch, son of Stephen, which should be used in public by the wife.[44]The kaftan is a long cloth coat belted in at the waist.[45]In prayers of this kind, nothing is said aloud: the worshipper turns towards theikonson the wall and crosses himself.[46]See note to p. 67 (Transcriber: note 33).[47]I.e."instantly," though why the phrase means this I cannot discover. In Russian fairy-tales, a witch regularly summons any one she wants with the words, "Stand thou before me, like a leaf before the grass!"[48]I.e.the Author.[49]Hill of Feasting.[50]Hill of Meeting.[51]Another version of the story tells that the mother led the pursuit. (Author's note.)[52]Klauss became lecturer on midwifery in the Foundling Hospital at Moscow in 1791, and died in 1821 after the conscientious discharge of his duties for thirty years. He never left off the yellow wig. He was an enthusiastic and well-known numismatist. (Author's note.)[53]1rouble= 100kopecks.[54]This work first appeared in parts in a Moscow magazine. When they were collected in a book, this epilogue was added.By SERGE AKSAKOFF.YEARS OF CHILDHOODBy SERGE AKSAKOFF.Translated, for the first time, from the Russian by J. D. DUFF,Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net."We are grateful to Mr. Duff for translating for the first time into English this remarkable book. 'Years of Childhood' becomes the more fascinating the more one reads and thinks about it. Aksakoff read a new and ecstatic meaning into things which are banal and tame to most men and women, and the eager eye of his mind scanned deep into the lives and loves of the people round about him."—Morning Post."Serge Aksakoff holds a distinct and, one might say, delightful position in Russian literature. He placed himself, almost without an effort, in the ranks of the great masters of his nation by instinctively obeying the precept that men of letters should look in their own hearts and write. One can hardly thank the translator sufficiently for this first rendering of the book in any other language than Russian."—The Times."English readers may well be grateful to Mr. J. D. Duff for his translation of a very unusual book. He promises us a translation of 'A Family History,' which carries on the narrative of Aksakoff's life and gives some account of his family. In the original the two make one book, and all who read this first instalment will welcome the completion of it."—Spectator."A book of rare charm."—Observer."Mr. Duff, with this admirable rendering, has unearthed a treasure for the English reader. Let us hope that the other portion of these memoirs will appear without delay. For this is Russia herself—convincingly real and intimate." —English Review."Apart from its great artistic value, Aksakoff's work has the attractiveness that belongs to all origins. What Mr. Maurice Baring once said, that the story of Aksakoff's memoirs is as vivid and interesting as any novel, is quite true. And it is not only true but remarkable; for reminiscences, especially of childhood, do not usually have the sort of interest that a novel has, however vivid they may be.... The fact is, Aksakoff succeeded in solving perhaps the hardest problem in literature,—the problem of working a child's consciousness as a medium for all it is worth. The book has, for us, this advantage over the other major works of Russian literature, that it has found in Mr. Duff a translator who is not only a scholar, but an artist skilful enough never to force the note for a moment." —New Statesman."A charming Russian book. At this time when so many translations from the Russian are appearing, well advised and ill advised, it is good to be able to put the hand on one superlatively good book. Here is a refreshment for tired eyes and tired souls. It is put into beautiful English, and the book can be read aloud with much profit and pleasure."—Country Life."Of an extraordinary richness and novelty."—Westminster Gazette.LONDON: EDWARD ARNOLD
Footnotes[1]The name is pronounced Aksākoff, not Aksăkoff, and his birthplace is called by RussiansOo-fá, notYéw-fa.[2]"Father," a title of respect or affection.[3]100dessyatines= 270 acres.[4]Aroubleis worth about 2s.[5]Bagroff is a pseudonym for Aksakoff.[6]Bagrovo is a pseudonym for Aksakovo.[7]The earliest Russian chronicles report that the Russian empire was founded in the 8th century by certain foreign princes calledVaryags. The nationality of these princes has been a subject of endless controversy, some historians maintaining that they were Norsemen, others denying it.[8]Averstis two-thirds of a mile.[9]Pronounce Dyáw-ma.[10]June 29.[11]Aksakoff himself.[12]Mare's milk, fermented.[13]Na-sya-gai = "Pursuer."[14]I.e.the author, who in childhood was called Seryozha (short for Serghéi).[15]This word from S. Africa seems best for an unroofed veranda, such as this was.[16]An urn, with a central receptacle for hot charcoal. In this case, the receptacle is inserted where the teapot lid should be.[17]A diminutive form of Tatyana.[18]The author's father, called throughout Alexyéi; his real name was Timoféi (Timothy). So his mother, whose name was Márya (Mary) is called Sofya (Sophia).[19]The inner bark of the lime-tree, used for many purposes in Russia.[20]A drink made of malt and rye.[21]The author's father.[22]A nickname: "Little Chatterer," a diminutive ofboltún.[23]She had got this nickname ("the town-woman") because she had spent part of her youth in some town.[24]After harvest is the normal time for peasants' marriages.[25]Asoldatkais a woman whose husband is away serving in the Army.[26]A famous general in the reign of Catherine II. and a great popular hero.[27]A short form of Praskovya, which itself represents the Greek name Paraskeva.[28]A diminutive form of Grigóri (Gregory).[29]Anikonis a sacred image, kept in a church or hung on the wall of a room.[30]The asterisks apparently imply that the author is unwilling to report some details of this orgy.[31]I.e. mother, a term of affection and respect.[32]From here to the end of the paragraph was removed by the censor from the early editions of the work.[33]Pugatchoff was a Cossack, who raised a formidable rebellion in East Russia; taken prisoner by Suvóroff, he was executed at Moscow in 1775.[34]The popular form of Xenia; the diminutive is Aksyutka.[35]The author's father.[36]A pet name for Sofya (Sophia). This is the author's mother, whose real name was Márya.[37]Buchan'sDomestic Medicinewas published in 1769; the author died in 1805.[38]In general, my grandfather had little belief in witchcraft. A wizard once told him that a gun was charmed and would not go off. He took out the shot secretly and fired at the wizard, who got a great fright. But he recovered and said that my grandfather himself was "a man of power"; and this was generally believed, except by Stepan Mihailovitch. (Author's note.)[39]I know the letter nearly by heart. It probably still exists among the old papers of one of my brothers. Some expressions in it are clearly borrowed from the novels which Alexyéi Stepanitch was fond of reading. (Author's note.)[40]The sacred image is often held by the person giving the blessing.[41]The Russianised form of an oriental name, Mirza Khan.[42]Devout Russians kiss a priest's hand.[43]I.e.Stepanitch, son of Stephen, which should be used in public by the wife.[44]The kaftan is a long cloth coat belted in at the waist.[45]In prayers of this kind, nothing is said aloud: the worshipper turns towards theikonson the wall and crosses himself.[46]See note to p. 67 (Transcriber: note 33).[47]I.e."instantly," though why the phrase means this I cannot discover. In Russian fairy-tales, a witch regularly summons any one she wants with the words, "Stand thou before me, like a leaf before the grass!"[48]I.e.the Author.[49]Hill of Feasting.[50]Hill of Meeting.[51]Another version of the story tells that the mother led the pursuit. (Author's note.)[52]Klauss became lecturer on midwifery in the Foundling Hospital at Moscow in 1791, and died in 1821 after the conscientious discharge of his duties for thirty years. He never left off the yellow wig. He was an enthusiastic and well-known numismatist. (Author's note.)[53]1rouble= 100kopecks.[54]This work first appeared in parts in a Moscow magazine. When they were collected in a book, this epilogue was added.By SERGE AKSAKOFF.YEARS OF CHILDHOODBy SERGE AKSAKOFF.Translated, for the first time, from the Russian by J. D. DUFF,Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net."We are grateful to Mr. Duff for translating for the first time into English this remarkable book. 'Years of Childhood' becomes the more fascinating the more one reads and thinks about it. Aksakoff read a new and ecstatic meaning into things which are banal and tame to most men and women, and the eager eye of his mind scanned deep into the lives and loves of the people round about him."—Morning Post."Serge Aksakoff holds a distinct and, one might say, delightful position in Russian literature. He placed himself, almost without an effort, in the ranks of the great masters of his nation by instinctively obeying the precept that men of letters should look in their own hearts and write. One can hardly thank the translator sufficiently for this first rendering of the book in any other language than Russian."—The Times."English readers may well be grateful to Mr. J. D. Duff for his translation of a very unusual book. He promises us a translation of 'A Family History,' which carries on the narrative of Aksakoff's life and gives some account of his family. In the original the two make one book, and all who read this first instalment will welcome the completion of it."—Spectator."A book of rare charm."—Observer."Mr. Duff, with this admirable rendering, has unearthed a treasure for the English reader. Let us hope that the other portion of these memoirs will appear without delay. For this is Russia herself—convincingly real and intimate." —English Review."Apart from its great artistic value, Aksakoff's work has the attractiveness that belongs to all origins. What Mr. Maurice Baring once said, that the story of Aksakoff's memoirs is as vivid and interesting as any novel, is quite true. And it is not only true but remarkable; for reminiscences, especially of childhood, do not usually have the sort of interest that a novel has, however vivid they may be.... The fact is, Aksakoff succeeded in solving perhaps the hardest problem in literature,—the problem of working a child's consciousness as a medium for all it is worth. The book has, for us, this advantage over the other major works of Russian literature, that it has found in Mr. Duff a translator who is not only a scholar, but an artist skilful enough never to force the note for a moment." —New Statesman."A charming Russian book. At this time when so many translations from the Russian are appearing, well advised and ill advised, it is good to be able to put the hand on one superlatively good book. Here is a refreshment for tired eyes and tired souls. It is put into beautiful English, and the book can be read aloud with much profit and pleasure."—Country Life."Of an extraordinary richness and novelty."—Westminster Gazette.LONDON: EDWARD ARNOLD
Footnotes[1]The name is pronounced Aksākoff, not Aksăkoff, and his birthplace is called by RussiansOo-fá, notYéw-fa.[2]"Father," a title of respect or affection.[3]100dessyatines= 270 acres.[4]Aroubleis worth about 2s.[5]Bagroff is a pseudonym for Aksakoff.[6]Bagrovo is a pseudonym for Aksakovo.[7]The earliest Russian chronicles report that the Russian empire was founded in the 8th century by certain foreign princes calledVaryags. The nationality of these princes has been a subject of endless controversy, some historians maintaining that they were Norsemen, others denying it.[8]Averstis two-thirds of a mile.[9]Pronounce Dyáw-ma.[10]June 29.[11]Aksakoff himself.[12]Mare's milk, fermented.[13]Na-sya-gai = "Pursuer."[14]I.e.the author, who in childhood was called Seryozha (short for Serghéi).[15]This word from S. Africa seems best for an unroofed veranda, such as this was.[16]An urn, with a central receptacle for hot charcoal. In this case, the receptacle is inserted where the teapot lid should be.[17]A diminutive form of Tatyana.[18]The author's father, called throughout Alexyéi; his real name was Timoféi (Timothy). So his mother, whose name was Márya (Mary) is called Sofya (Sophia).[19]The inner bark of the lime-tree, used for many purposes in Russia.[20]A drink made of malt and rye.[21]The author's father.[22]A nickname: "Little Chatterer," a diminutive ofboltún.[23]She had got this nickname ("the town-woman") because she had spent part of her youth in some town.[24]After harvest is the normal time for peasants' marriages.[25]Asoldatkais a woman whose husband is away serving in the Army.[26]A famous general in the reign of Catherine II. and a great popular hero.[27]A short form of Praskovya, which itself represents the Greek name Paraskeva.[28]A diminutive form of Grigóri (Gregory).[29]Anikonis a sacred image, kept in a church or hung on the wall of a room.[30]The asterisks apparently imply that the author is unwilling to report some details of this orgy.[31]I.e. mother, a term of affection and respect.[32]From here to the end of the paragraph was removed by the censor from the early editions of the work.[33]Pugatchoff was a Cossack, who raised a formidable rebellion in East Russia; taken prisoner by Suvóroff, he was executed at Moscow in 1775.[34]The popular form of Xenia; the diminutive is Aksyutka.[35]The author's father.[36]A pet name for Sofya (Sophia). This is the author's mother, whose real name was Márya.[37]Buchan'sDomestic Medicinewas published in 1769; the author died in 1805.[38]In general, my grandfather had little belief in witchcraft. A wizard once told him that a gun was charmed and would not go off. He took out the shot secretly and fired at the wizard, who got a great fright. But he recovered and said that my grandfather himself was "a man of power"; and this was generally believed, except by Stepan Mihailovitch. (Author's note.)[39]I know the letter nearly by heart. It probably still exists among the old papers of one of my brothers. Some expressions in it are clearly borrowed from the novels which Alexyéi Stepanitch was fond of reading. (Author's note.)[40]The sacred image is often held by the person giving the blessing.[41]The Russianised form of an oriental name, Mirza Khan.[42]Devout Russians kiss a priest's hand.[43]I.e.Stepanitch, son of Stephen, which should be used in public by the wife.[44]The kaftan is a long cloth coat belted in at the waist.[45]In prayers of this kind, nothing is said aloud: the worshipper turns towards theikonson the wall and crosses himself.[46]See note to p. 67 (Transcriber: note 33).[47]I.e."instantly," though why the phrase means this I cannot discover. In Russian fairy-tales, a witch regularly summons any one she wants with the words, "Stand thou before me, like a leaf before the grass!"[48]I.e.the Author.[49]Hill of Feasting.[50]Hill of Meeting.[51]Another version of the story tells that the mother led the pursuit. (Author's note.)[52]Klauss became lecturer on midwifery in the Foundling Hospital at Moscow in 1791, and died in 1821 after the conscientious discharge of his duties for thirty years. He never left off the yellow wig. He was an enthusiastic and well-known numismatist. (Author's note.)[53]1rouble= 100kopecks.[54]This work first appeared in parts in a Moscow magazine. When they were collected in a book, this epilogue was added.
The name is pronounced Aksākoff, not Aksăkoff, and his birthplace is called by RussiansOo-fá, notYéw-fa.
"Father," a title of respect or affection.
100dessyatines= 270 acres.
Aroubleis worth about 2s.
Bagroff is a pseudonym for Aksakoff.
Bagrovo is a pseudonym for Aksakovo.
The earliest Russian chronicles report that the Russian empire was founded in the 8th century by certain foreign princes calledVaryags. The nationality of these princes has been a subject of endless controversy, some historians maintaining that they were Norsemen, others denying it.
Averstis two-thirds of a mile.
Pronounce Dyáw-ma.
June 29.
Aksakoff himself.
Mare's milk, fermented.
Na-sya-gai = "Pursuer."
I.e.the author, who in childhood was called Seryozha (short for Serghéi).
This word from S. Africa seems best for an unroofed veranda, such as this was.
An urn, with a central receptacle for hot charcoal. In this case, the receptacle is inserted where the teapot lid should be.
A diminutive form of Tatyana.
The author's father, called throughout Alexyéi; his real name was Timoféi (Timothy). So his mother, whose name was Márya (Mary) is called Sofya (Sophia).
The inner bark of the lime-tree, used for many purposes in Russia.
A drink made of malt and rye.
The author's father.
A nickname: "Little Chatterer," a diminutive ofboltún.
She had got this nickname ("the town-woman") because she had spent part of her youth in some town.
After harvest is the normal time for peasants' marriages.
Asoldatkais a woman whose husband is away serving in the Army.
A famous general in the reign of Catherine II. and a great popular hero.
A short form of Praskovya, which itself represents the Greek name Paraskeva.
A diminutive form of Grigóri (Gregory).
Anikonis a sacred image, kept in a church or hung on the wall of a room.
The asterisks apparently imply that the author is unwilling to report some details of this orgy.
I.e. mother, a term of affection and respect.
From here to the end of the paragraph was removed by the censor from the early editions of the work.
Pugatchoff was a Cossack, who raised a formidable rebellion in East Russia; taken prisoner by Suvóroff, he was executed at Moscow in 1775.
The popular form of Xenia; the diminutive is Aksyutka.
The author's father.
A pet name for Sofya (Sophia). This is the author's mother, whose real name was Márya.
Buchan'sDomestic Medicinewas published in 1769; the author died in 1805.
In general, my grandfather had little belief in witchcraft. A wizard once told him that a gun was charmed and would not go off. He took out the shot secretly and fired at the wizard, who got a great fright. But he recovered and said that my grandfather himself was "a man of power"; and this was generally believed, except by Stepan Mihailovitch. (Author's note.)
I know the letter nearly by heart. It probably still exists among the old papers of one of my brothers. Some expressions in it are clearly borrowed from the novels which Alexyéi Stepanitch was fond of reading. (Author's note.)
The sacred image is often held by the person giving the blessing.
The Russianised form of an oriental name, Mirza Khan.
Devout Russians kiss a priest's hand.
I.e.Stepanitch, son of Stephen, which should be used in public by the wife.
The kaftan is a long cloth coat belted in at the waist.
In prayers of this kind, nothing is said aloud: the worshipper turns towards theikonson the wall and crosses himself.
See note to p. 67 (Transcriber: note 33).
I.e."instantly," though why the phrase means this I cannot discover. In Russian fairy-tales, a witch regularly summons any one she wants with the words, "Stand thou before me, like a leaf before the grass!"
I.e.the Author.
Hill of Feasting.
Hill of Meeting.
Another version of the story tells that the mother led the pursuit. (Author's note.)
Klauss became lecturer on midwifery in the Foundling Hospital at Moscow in 1791, and died in 1821 after the conscientious discharge of his duties for thirty years. He never left off the yellow wig. He was an enthusiastic and well-known numismatist. (Author's note.)
1rouble= 100kopecks.
This work first appeared in parts in a Moscow magazine. When they were collected in a book, this epilogue was added.
By SERGE AKSAKOFF.
By SERGE AKSAKOFF.
YEARS OF CHILDHOOD
YEARS OF CHILDHOOD
By SERGE AKSAKOFF.
By SERGE AKSAKOFF.
Translated, for the first time, from the Russian by J. D. DUFF,Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.
Translated, for the first time, from the Russian by J. D. DUFF,
Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.
Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.
Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.
"We are grateful to Mr. Duff for translating for the first time into English this remarkable book. 'Years of Childhood' becomes the more fascinating the more one reads and thinks about it. Aksakoff read a new and ecstatic meaning into things which are banal and tame to most men and women, and the eager eye of his mind scanned deep into the lives and loves of the people round about him."—Morning Post.
"Serge Aksakoff holds a distinct and, one might say, delightful position in Russian literature. He placed himself, almost without an effort, in the ranks of the great masters of his nation by instinctively obeying the precept that men of letters should look in their own hearts and write. One can hardly thank the translator sufficiently for this first rendering of the book in any other language than Russian."—The Times.
"English readers may well be grateful to Mr. J. D. Duff for his translation of a very unusual book. He promises us a translation of 'A Family History,' which carries on the narrative of Aksakoff's life and gives some account of his family. In the original the two make one book, and all who read this first instalment will welcome the completion of it."—Spectator.
"A book of rare charm."—Observer.
"Mr. Duff, with this admirable rendering, has unearthed a treasure for the English reader. Let us hope that the other portion of these memoirs will appear without delay. For this is Russia herself—convincingly real and intimate." —English Review.
"Apart from its great artistic value, Aksakoff's work has the attractiveness that belongs to all origins. What Mr. Maurice Baring once said, that the story of Aksakoff's memoirs is as vivid and interesting as any novel, is quite true. And it is not only true but remarkable; for reminiscences, especially of childhood, do not usually have the sort of interest that a novel has, however vivid they may be.... The fact is, Aksakoff succeeded in solving perhaps the hardest problem in literature,—the problem of working a child's consciousness as a medium for all it is worth. The book has, for us, this advantage over the other major works of Russian literature, that it has found in Mr. Duff a translator who is not only a scholar, but an artist skilful enough never to force the note for a moment." —New Statesman.
"A charming Russian book. At this time when so many translations from the Russian are appearing, well advised and ill advised, it is good to be able to put the hand on one superlatively good book. Here is a refreshment for tired eyes and tired souls. It is put into beautiful English, and the book can be read aloud with much profit and pleasure."—Country Life.
"Of an extraordinary richness and novelty."—Westminster Gazette.
LONDON: EDWARD ARNOLD