Bookvica

[CAUCASIAN ECHOES: NATIONALISM AND IDENTITY IN KOVALEVSKY’S FORGOTTEN ACCOUNT] Kavkaz. V 2 t. T. 1: Narody Kavkaza [i.e. Caucasus. In 2 Vol. Vol. 1: People of the Caucasus]

Kovalevsky, P.

Item #2172

St. Petersburg: Tip. M.I. Akinfieva, 1914. 344 pp.: ill. 23x15 cm.

Contemporary cloth binding. Covers worn, tear of the fore-title, several pages loose, previous owner’s pencil inscription on the title-page, but otherwise in a very good condition. Scarce. First edition. Text in Russian. Vol. 1 of 2 published. The second volume came out in 1915 and was titled ‘The history of the conquest of Caucasus [by Russian Empire]’.

An important account of the people of the Caucasus written by the esteemed Russian psychiatrist and historian Pavel Kovalevsky (1850-1931) in 1914. According to the Russian State Library, Kovalevsky’s works were labeled reactionary during the Soviet era and were withheld from publication. Only a handful of copies that had already reached retailers survived, although many of these were also recalled.
Kovalevsky graduated from Kharkiv University in 1874, specializing in psychiatry and defending his doctoral thesis on melancholia in 1877. He gained recognition for "Psychiatric Sketches from History," which provided psychological portraits of historical figures and was banned in the USSR for contradicting Marxist views on historical determinism. A vocal critic of the 1917 Revolution, Kovalevsky nevertheless served in the Red Army during the Civil War and famously diagnosed Lenin’s progressive paralysis. His works on Russian nationalism, including "The Peoples of the Caucasus" and "The History of Russia from a Nationalist Perspective," were vigorously suppressed in the USSR. Despite a prolific output of over 300 works, Kovalevsky found himself largely silenced, ultimately emigrating to Belgium in 1925, where he continued his research until his death in 1931.
The book was published in Saint Petersburg in 1914 in an effort to consolidate Russian power over the Caucasus region amid the outbreak of WWI and the rising nationalist sentiments among its people.
In the foreword to the edition, the author clearly defines the backstory of his extensive experience in the Caucasus, writing: "For 27 years, almost every summer, I have lived in the Caucasus. Several thousand Caucasian patients of the most diverse nationalities have passed through my hands. Therefore, I allow myself to provide this brief outline of the nationalities I have encountered and studied."
The book is divided into 23 sections, each dedicated to a specific area of the Caucasus. The author provides descriptions of a wide array of ethnic groups living in the region, including Abkhazians, Kabardians, Highland Tatars, Circassians, Turkmen, Ossetians, Ingush, Chechens, Kumyks, Nogais, Dagestanis, Alazanians, Georgians, Imeretians, Mingrelians, Gurjians, Adjarians, Lazes, Khevsurians, Tushetians, Pshavs, Svans, Armenians, Tatar peoples, and Caucasian Jews.
Each chapter provides a brief overview of the geographical location, historical background, flora and fauna, climate, agriculture, and water resources of the respective territories. Kovalevsky then shifts focus to the various peoples, describing their appearance, clothing, character traits, daily life, customs, traditions, education, attitudes toward money, social structures, marital practices, hospitality, cuisine, and more. A clear nationalistic sentiment pervades the book, as the author often explores the possibilities of Russifying the Caucasian peoples, advocating for their acknowledgment as "sons of one Mother Russia."
The book includes ca. 258 black-and-white illustrations and maps, depicting the people of the Caucasus in their traditional attire, notable landmarks, the region's natural beauty, and prominent figures of the time.
Interesting excerpts in English translation:
“The Kabardians have always been known for their straightforwardness, honesty, and integrity. Neighboring peoples aspired to imitate the Kabardians, and there was no greater compliment than to say someone was "dressed like a Kabardian." Among the Kabardians, there was a custom of "atalichestvo," which involved sending children, especially sons, to be raised by another family. This practice was eagerly embraced by the Abkhazians and Circassians, who entrusted their children to Kabardian families. In doing so, they learned valor, military prowess, and refined manners.”
“Karachai women are also beautiful. A Karachai beauty can boast of a slender, attractive, and perfectly sculpted waist. However, there is a notable flaw in their physique—flat, board-like breasts.”
“In no time, the Highland Tatars, these savages, could easily become loyal Russian citizens. With more attention, compassion, and care for both their material well-being and their spiritual enlightenment in the spirit of loyalty and gratitude to Russia, their common mother, they would fully meet our expectations.”
“The Circassian has always been greedy when it comes to money. For a price, he is willing to commit murder or treachery. However, once he receives money, he is ready to distribute it to anyone he encounters, displaying the most carefree generosity.”
“The Circassians were not enemies of Christians in general but specifically of Russian Christians, who deprived them of their freedoms and opportunities for plunder. From this perspective, the Circassians viewed themselves not as brothers—Muslims—to the Turks, but rather as allies in the struggle against Russian invaders.”
“Ossetians are generally extremely lazy and remarkably slow. Dealing with them as guides is a true punishment. While there are some bandits among them, this is rare; more often, they display tendencies towards theft. Ossetians have a strong affinity for litigation and will file lawsuits for any reason, even in the absence of one.”
“Ossetian cuisine is quite limited and unrefined. The most beloved dish is Ossetian cheese, followed by khabidezhin—pastries filled with cheese—and dzikka, which is cheese crumbled and cooked in butter. Salt is served diluted in water with garlic. In general, Ossetians particularly favor strong, pungent, and flavorful plants such as garlic, onions, radishes, red pepper, and wild garlic. This preference explains the unusual odor that emanates from their clothing.”
“A highborn Circassian woman takes pride in her lineage. Wives are known for their fidelity, although instances of unfaithfulness are not uncommon, especially among the Shapsugs, where women are exceptionally beautiful and flirtatious.”
Overall, a suppressed account of the people of the Caucasus by the esteemed Russian psychiatrist Pavel Kovalevsky.

Worldcat shows copies of the edition at Princeton University, British Library and Stanford University.

Price: $750.00