How ‘to Make Letters from the Tula Province more Interesting for us Russians than Letters from London or New York’. On the Correspondence and Creative Interaction of L. N. Tolstoy and I. S. Aksakov

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the correspondence between Tolstoy and Aksakov, more precisely, three letters of Aksakov, their detailed scientific commentary and identification, explanation of the realities and facts that make it possible to deeply comprehend the ideological positions and views of Tolstoy and Aksakov. The research notes that in Aksakov’s letters to Tolstoy, his personal and civic position, ideas about the best ways for Russia's development are perfectly manifested. Aksakov’s letters are of great importance to the study of the issue of his thoughtful influence on Tolstoy in attempt to make the latter an adherent of Slavophilism. The work highlights similarities and echoes in the fates of Aksakov and Tolstoy and substantiates a great influence of the Crimean War on both writers. For all the seeming episodic nature, Aksakov’s three letters to Tolstoy allow us to trace the evolution of the writer’s and editor’s views, their dissimilarity in time — the passion for journalism and topical social problems was replaced by both Tolstoy and Aksakov with an awareness of the enduring value of fiction. An analytical study of Aksakov’s letters allowed us to conclude that he was attentive to the work, life and social activities of Tolstoy, and to note Aksakov’s high appreciation of Tolstoy’s studies. Keeping in line with the general ideological direction of the Slavophiles, when opening new newspapers — Den and Rus — Aksakov interpreted the Slavophile tradition in different ways, however invariably inviting Tolstoy to his new publications, considering him one of the best and most advanced writers.