New rise of the «luminary of the Russian administration» in 1821–1828: on the publication of the «Diary of return» by M.M. Speransky

This is a review on a scholarly publication of the diary by one of the most prominent statesmen of the Russian Empire M.M. Speransky. This diary has been written in the 1820-ies. The review notes the depth and the thoroughness of the approach of the editors in preparing this publication. The diary entries were meticulously verified and supplemented with the detailed commentary, the name indexes, and the geographical indices. The publication is preceded by a lengthy introduction by T.V. Andreeva, an expert on the biography of Speransky and his written legacy. Thanks to this publication, the reformer’s personal account of his life and his work has become accessible to a wide audience, including both those who professionally research the past and those who are simply interested in the country’s history. Thus, the publishers have provided an opportunity to appreciate the contribution of Speransky to the history of imperial Russia in general, and to one of the most eventful decades of the XIX century in particular. This publication helps to rise our knowledge about it at a new higher level. The publication of this diary, written in the 1820-ies, should be recognized as one of the most successful historical sources publications in our times. This edition undoubtedly will be particularly useful for the specialists in the various fields of humanities who study the deeds and writings of this renowned administrator, jurist, and political thinker in the XIX century, as well as for the teachers of these disciplines and their students.