Аннотация: Interview: once again about Boris Godunov
Interview: once again about Boris Godunov
- Today "Godunov's theme" "proceeded". One of authors of historical radio programs not only has joined advertizing of the television movie about Godunov, but also has declared some sympathies for Boris Godunov. I won't ask you about the movie and its advertizing. Your opinion about "sympathies" for Boris Godunov?
- The era of Boris Godunov is far from us. There are not so many historical sources that describe the personality, personal qualities of Boris Godunov... If we talk about sympathies... Do you that think the personality of Peter the Great is sympathetic?
- Well... Yes.
- Peter studied much, mastered new knowledge. He applied them in practice: not only managed, gave orders, but also liked to work personally. I will not now recall his entire biography, but many of his personal qualities could and can be an example worthy of imitation.
- That's probably true.
- Near Peter the Great we see many outstanding persons. Probably, he understood these people and was able to organize activity of these people.
- There were many outstanding people near Peter.
- Take the example of Peter Andreevich Tolstoy, a Russian statesman and diplomat. He, for example, in 1718 - 1826 operated Secret office (Taynaya kantselyariya).
- In 1702-1714 he was Ambassador to Ottoman Empire. Sultan twice locked him in the Seven-Tower castle.
- There is in his biography such "fragment". He made the return from abroad of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich (January 1718), in 1718 headed the investigation of his case.
- This is a well-known historical fact.
- About the era of Peter the Great preserved quite a lot of historical sources. Books are written. Personally, I find it hard to imagine that Peter A. Tolstoy went abroad, started talks with Tsarevich Alexei about his return to Russia, but the negotiations were suddenly interrupted due to accident: whether Tsarevich Alexei during dinner himself accidentally with a knife stabbed own body, or some stale food is eaten... Of course, this turn of events a lot of effort would be saved. It is clear that it would not be necessary to organize an investigation, to force the Tsarevich to renounce his rights to the throne, it would not be necessary to form the Supreme court of generals, senators and the Synod (the court sentenced Alexei Petrovich June 24, 1718 to death).
- Peter Andreevich Tolstoy has achieved the return of the Tsarevich from abroad.
- Or another hypothetical development. Patriarch Adrian goes to a trip. But there are circumstances that make it difficult to move. And after some time comes the news that Patriarch Adrian "abdicated". The Synod began to perform management of church affairs.
- It's absolutly implausible.
- In fact, after the ("natural") death of Patriarch Adrian in 1700, not the Patriarch was appointed, but the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal throne. From 1721 the title of Patriarch was abolished. Management of church affairs has passed to the Synod.
- Yes, it's common knowledge.
- Personal qualities of Peter the Great are in a certain harmony with the achievements of his reign... You do not find?
- There are grounds for such a thesis.
- What are the personal qualities of the Boris Godunov evoke sympathy from you?
- Interesting question. Probably, in any person both "positive" and "negative" qualities are.
- Thank you for your attention.
- Thanks for the interview.
November 8, 2018 18:38
Translation from Russian into English: November 8, 2018 19:44.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский "Интервью: ещё раз о Борисе Годунове".