V. V. Vinogradov on Academic Destiny and Everyday Life in Letters from Exile

The author reviews a collection of letters written by V. V. Vinogradov, a renowned philologist and academician, to his wife, N. M. Malysheva, while he was in exile in Vyatka from 1934 to 1936. The correspondence provides insight into his relationship with his landlords, the conditions in Vyatka/Kirov during that period, and the nuances of daily life. The linguistic features of the letters include the author’s extensive use of colloquialisms, neologisms, his manner of joking or vilifying someone. Vinogradov often addressed the censors in his letters, realising that his messages were being closely reviewed. The letters indicate the scholar’s extensive reading background and ambitious plans, his exacting perception of his own work, punctuality, great criticism towards others, as well as his caring attitude towards his wife and the mutual love of the spouses (regrettably, the reciprocal correspondence has not survived). The publication is accompanied by detailed comments, two prefaces, and an afterword. The reviewer offers constructive remarks and raises several questions for further research of the ego-source.