Apollon Maikov's "A Program of Stories on Russian History" (preparation of the text, the introductory article, and the commentary)

Apollon Maikov's manuscript "A Program of Stories on Russian History", preserved in the poet's archive, is introduced into the scientific discussion for the first time. The manuscript sheds light on the history of the formation of the idea of "Stories from Russian History", which was not realized until the end, and is chronologically the earliest document indicating the details of the development of the cycle's concept. On four small-size sheets of paper, Maikov sketched a characterization of the plots he intended to cover in the planned edition. The manuscript significantly supplements all current scientific understanding of the content of the cycle conceived by the poet, including the principles of selection of subjects and general aesthetic requirements to their artistic realization.