Vladimir Solovyov’s Texts in the Anthology by S.L. Frank

Abstract

Originally published in English in 1950, A Solovyov Anthology, prepared by S.L. Frank, has already been reprinted three times, a fact that demonstrates a continuing interest in its content. This paper undertakes a textual analysis of the pieces contained in the Anthology in comparison with the original (second) edition of Solovyov’s works. This paper also makes use of archival material and Frank’s correspondence in connection with the preparation of the Anthology, and an overview of comments in the press upon its publication is also given. This paper also presents biographical information, which reveals the editorial process behind the Anthology, and an analysis of Frank’s choice of texts. The authors argue that Frank presented Solovyov, above all, as a religious thinker, and not as a theoretical philosopher. This viewpoint, on the one hand, is connected with Frank’s previous editorial work on An Anthology of Russian Religious Thinkers, and, on the other hand, can be explained by Frank’s own attitude toward Solovyov in the final period of his creativity. The authors also provide a critical survey of the main reactions and reviews that appeared in the English press upon the book’s appearance within the context of the influence of the book’s direction on the evaluation of Solovyov’s personality and creativity, particularly his Christian universalism.