From the “Epoch in Russian Bibliographic Science” to the “Bibliographic Hedgehog” (N.N. Orlov on the “Dictionary Index on Bibliology” by A.V. Mezier)

The article highlights the professional relations of two well-known bibliographers, Augusta Vladimirovna Mezier (1862 or 1869—1935) and Nikolai Nikolaevich Orlov (1898— 1965). In 1924—1932, N.N. Orlovʼs views went from an enthusiastic appreciation of the “Dictionary Index on Bibliology” (the main work of A.V. Mezier) before his harsh criticism. On the basis of newly introduced epistolary sources from the collections of the Manuscript Department of the Russian State Library (including personal letters exchanged between Orlov and Mezier), an analysis of the conflict between bibliographers was carried out. Assumptions about the reasons that caused a sharp evolution of N.N. Orlovʼs positionin relation to the creative activity of A.V. Mezier are presented. The reaction of A.V. Mezier to the harsh criticism of her bibliographic work is highlighted.