Essays "History of the Swedish war" and "Reflections on the causes of the Northern war" were prepared with close cooperation of Peter.
He was proportionally complex, his figure was not overwhelmed by its size. Full, dark, precisely sculpted face exuded calm and deep awareness. Quick, shrewd, slightly contemptuous glance, large and massive forehead...
As if summing up the reflections on the contents of a compact 100 page book about Peter the Great, Ivanov has formulated the wish:
- However, we will not lose hope that the General reader will - over time - to buy and read "thick" books with a lot of detail, figures, thinking, versions, and interpretations ...
- Financial conditions of cooperation of the authors with our series "Life of remarkable people" are no secret, - continued Pavlenkov.
- Yes, - responded Ivanov.
- Are you ready to start writing a biographical sketch of the life and public activities of Peter the Great for the series "Life of remarkable people"? The approximate volume of the book - 100 pages? - said Pavlenko.
- Yes, - said Ivanov.
- In that case, - I propose to begin! - summed up the negotiations Pavlenkov.
27 may 2017.
Translation from Russian language into English language: 04.09.2017.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский "Диалог о Петре Великом".
5. The Tale about William Gladstone and about an exhibition
November, 1877. Science Museum, London. Exhibition of archeological finds.
William Gladstone approached one of the twenty-four showcases with ancient artifacts.
A lot of time, efforts he has expended, promoting opening of this exhibition.
Numerous visitors gave the opportunity to come near the display case.
All became silent.
All were waiting for opinion of the connoisseur of Homer, the author of books on theological and church questions.
Suddenly the British officer has spoken, which also was standing next to a showcase. He in appearance already had combat experience.
- Or - victories, or - the fate of archaeological finds, - the officer has formulated the thought briefly - as in an army.
Visitors of an exhibition with amazement have translated views to the officer.
William Gladstone looked at the officer with interest.
The officer, encouraged by general amazement, has continued:
- Archeologists are useful. Asia. Egypt and Arabia. Diaries. Topography. Exploring the terrain. Knowledge of languages and history. Magnificent exhibition! Britain again ahead!
The officer has kindly looked at William Gladston, has slightly inclined the head. Then for a second he was before William Gladstone on standing at attention.
"How many efforts were required to cancel practice of sale of officer patents, but tried not in vain", - William Gladstone has thought.
Aloud he has spoken:
- The commitment of the people, the common people to the throne and Britain is more valuable than the Army and Navy, gold and silver. It is honor and glory of the country. This exhibition, the first in the history the public exposition of unusual archaeological finds, exhibition, which can be visited by any Briton and guest of our state, makes honor to our country and serves the benefit of science!
In 1883 in the second premiership of William Gladstone the officer has been attached to the Egyptian army, held important posts. And in 1892 (this year W. Gladstone became a prime minister for the fourth time) the officer has held a position of "sirdar", that is the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian army.
In the winter of 1888, two European scientists with research goals swam on a hired yacht up the Nile.
Suddenly their yacht has been shooted from the coast. There was a danger of capture and the yacht, and crew, and scientists.
At a critical moment, like magic, appeared the gunboat with the British crew, which forced the attackers to retreat.
The shot from the ship cannon could be reviewed and as a way of the help, and as a cannon's salute.
One of scientists, been talking in half an hour with the the British lieutenant, commander of the gunboat, has said:
-Your face is familiar to me, Mr. Lieutenant. It seems to me You - at that time still the young man - were ten years ago among visitors at an exhibition of ancient treasures in the Science Museum, London.
- Yes, sir, - the Lieutenant has answered, - at that time I still studied. But at the first opportunity I have visited this remarkable exposition. And the Governor of Provinces - and all of us - remember the impression, was made by treasures. We try to get acquainted with new archaeological achievements and new book publications.
- The science moves forward! - the scientist has noted, having politely inclined the head.
The assistant to the commander of the gunboat joined the conversation with the scientist:
- I will note, sir, that we under a big impression both of discoveries, and of books, and of intensive development of archeology. Your example of maintaining diaries is very interesting to us. And we prepare our diaries for the publication. Perhaps, they will be interesting both to public, and to outstanding scientists. Indicative names: "The Diary of the Navy officer" and "The Sudanese diary".
- I believe that the publication of the book "Battles on the River" - an event of the close future, - the commander of the gunboat has added.
Having discussed plans of safe return of the yacht toward the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the scientist has added: "The archaeological collection is replenished. I hope for the common meeting in the updated museum halls with an expanded exposition of ancient values!".
February 02, 2017 - March 03, 2017.
Translation from Russian into English: January 19, 2018.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский "Сказка об Уильяме Гладстоне и о выставке".
6. Dialogue about Lack of Preliminary Censorship
The Reader and the Readeress went along the park pathway, discussing the books were read in M. Gorky's cafe-library.
- Somewhere I have found a question: and whether were published in France at the time of Napolйon I of the book about invasion of the Swedish troops of Karl XII into Russia. Strange question, - the Readeress admitted. - It is well-known that Napolйon I was one of the most knowing, competent rulers.
The Reader has smiled:
- Napoleon hasn't established for newspapers of preliminary censorship.
- Blossoming of the press! - the Readeress has smiled in reply. - After destruction of the French Directory and coming to power of the general Bonaparte he has destroyed all Parisian political newspapers, except thirteen (60 of 73).According to the order of the minister Joseph Fouche in each editorial office of more widespread newspapers has been appointed editor-censor who was receiving a salary from means of the newspaper at a rate of 2/12 income of the newspaper.
- And what about books about the Swedish troops invasion? - the Reader has demanded conclusions. - Censorship was extended over books?
- In February, 1811 censorship has forbidden French translation of some Psalms of David because "malicious" could see in David's words a hint on oppression of the Pope by Napoleon I. "... Sometimes there was a subject to confiscation even King Solomon with his Parables...", - the Readeress has reminded. - E.V. Tarle wrote about Napoleon I that "he has absolutely taken out all domestic and all foreign policy off the sphere of discussion and considered as great grace the permission for the rare bodies of the press to publish only of most short information notes of "political character", i.e. simply notes about news, short messages about the facts".
"I don't attach any significance to disputes of these fools", - Napoleon said...
The general line in management of "the sphere of the press" has been directed to reduction of number of discussions, debates, emotional subjects, to reduction of number of newspapers...
"When each person will have rather common sense to be concentrate onto the sphere of own the duties?" - the French ruler who has come to the power tried to understand.
What was the subjects of trade of French book traders at that time? Old editions with pictures, jokes, stories about beautiful women,the lists and the images of beautiful women...
- "Naked asses"? - the Reader alarmed.
- In a privileged position there were scientific, professional publications, though and they were under "pressure", - the Readeress has tried to neutralize the alert.
- And protection of the law? - the Reader was indignant. - Principles of the French revolution? To the law and the principles have turned by a bare back (a lower part)?
The Readeress has sighed:
- The minister of police of France Joseph Fouche concerning legality joked: "My dear, the constitution is a beautiful woman on whom it is allowed, passing by, to throw an admiration look, but she doesn't belong to public".
The police watched and printing houses, and authors of publications, and buyers of printing editions.
The bookstores were under constant, close observation of the authorities.
But it is necessary to mention also examples of the loyal attitude of the power towards writers.
During an era of a marriage of Napoleon I on the Austrian princess a large number of authors were glorifying this event, have composed verses. For their remuneration the sum of 88 400 francs has been spent from treasury. From marriage of the emperor the child who has received a title of the Roman king was born. In honor of the birth of the Roman king a number of works has been written; for remuneration of authors 30 thousand francs have been spent.
- If any structure can provide itself with work, then the such a situation for such structure is comfortable, - the Reader has assumed. - I will give an example of effectiveness. The minister of police of France, to the greatest indignation, has learned that the censorship subordinated to the Minister of Internal Affairs will confiscate even books which he (the minister of police) writes out from England. That is, the staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has found out that the minister of police receives and reads "undesirable" books. What result, what benefits of such information? But - all are busy with (important) affairs.
And here England printed and read all books (and continues to do it), adheres - it seems, - the principles of freedom of speech and freedom of information - and, probably, doesn't suffer.
In principle, it is possible to make subject to control thesightseeing of architectural sights. The look of tourist falls on others windows. And what things and events tourist there sees? To what opinions does come? To what actions the tourist is induced? Big necessary information and analytic business. To collect information, to generalize, take measures...
The majority spoke and are speaking about the Enlightened mode of the individual power of Napoleon I. But someone could speak risk of approach of "the kingdom of ignorance".
- There were also positive phenomena, - the Reader tried to keep objectivity. - The retired cavalry captain Marten has intended to publish in Bordeaux "Journal des dames" devoted specially "to ladies, love, beauty and Graces".
Permission has followed. Though were needed the personal information on the captain, correspondence, solemn permission from the minister of police.
- But there is not only an advantage, but also harm of freedom of speech. Statements meet, for example, in the sense that the press "disorients", "confuses", "excites", "involves", "do black", "pits", "offends", "provokes", "creates undesirable moods"... - the Readeress has noticed.
- Action gives rise to counteraction...- the Reader spoke. - Whether are connected planning of invasion of Napoleon to Russia in 1812 and the subsequent death of Great army with lack of publications, discussions, books about invasion into Russia of troops of the Swedish king Karl XII? - the Reader has continued reasonings. - About Russia, about its climate? About history of Russia? I find it difficult to draw a conclusion.
- Gloomy picture... "Crush" of readers, writers, publishers, typographers, book dealers on the historical bridge between the French revolution and mature state system... Berezina... - the Readeress has expressed opinion.
- You shouldn't exaggerate, - the Reader has made the amendment. - France is known for the outstanding literature, including, works on military subject.
- It is possible to remember the expressive description of E.V. Tarle of process of adoption of the decision on the beginning of unlimited submarine war, pernicious, self-destructive for the German Empire, - the Readeress has remembered. - "Leaders of a Reichstag" "discussed" an issue; but they had no appropriate information. The account of submarines went on tens, at such quantity the underwater fleet of Germany of cardinal counteraction to the opponent couldn't render. However the exact number of submarines wasn't known; it was secret. After the decision of leaders of the German Empire - in the conditions of deficiency of information - about the beginning of unlimited submarine war was followed not a victory, but declaration of war by America and "automatic" defeat of Germany in 1918. It was necessary "to know only a little", not to know "superfluous", to have "rather common sense to be concentrate onto the sphere of own the duties"!