Mykhailo Hrushevskyi in the History of Ukrainian Journalism

Abstract

Abstract. Mykhailo Sergiiovych Hrushevskyi, an outstanding scientist, a man of broad erudition, extraordinary diligence, takes one of the honorary places in the history of Ukrainian science and culture of the late 19th – first third of 20th century. Possessing encyclopedic scientific knowledge, the ability to comprehensively analyze and reproduce historical processes in an artistic form, he clearly manifested himself in many fields of knowledge: history, archeography, literary studies, folklore, and others. But first of all, Mykhailo Hrushevskyi is a prominent historian and patriot of his people, who created the first most complete, generalizing study of the history of Ukraine from ancient times to the second half of the 17th century. The scientific concept of Mykhailo Hrushevskyi is based on the organic unity of high professionalism of materials presentation, deep knowledge of literature and sources, and originality of their interpretation. As a politician, he worked his way from the founder of the National Democratic Party of Galicia and the Society of Ukrainian Progressives in Kyiv to the creator of the foundations of an independent Ukrainian state. He was Chairman of the Central Rada, and later recognized the Soviet regime in Ukraine and expressed readiness to serve it. His views were changing; socio-political concepts and philosophical perceptions of life were evolving but love for his people and for the historical truth for him have always been the highest standard in scientific creativity and political activity. Mykhailo Hrushevskyi was the son of his time. As well as many other prominent figures of Ukraine, he presented the tragic historical fate of the Ukrainian lands dismembered by political borders, which were deprived of their own statehood, in his works. As a scientist and politician, Mykhailo Hrushevskyi was deeply saddened by the fate of his people. Mykhailo Hrushevskyi, prominent Ukrainian historian, politician, writer, publicist, editor, publisher, also made a significant contribution to the development of the native journalism. Work and studying of the bibliographic sources, important periods in the creative life and work of Mykhailo Hrushevskyi allowed to identify the main periodicals that he edited and published or acted as a leading publicist (reviewer, reader, literary critic, author of iconic and travel essays, notes, articles, etc.). The article enlights the organizational talent in the field of publishing and editorial skills in the newspaper and magazine area of Mykhailo Hrushevskyi in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. The purpose of this article is to trace the main milestones of the journalistic activity of the scientist and politician, to find out the essential issues reflected by Mykhailo Hrushevskyi in the pages of newspapers and magazines.