Dear readers of our library, we continue to publish blogs about books available in our collection. Today, we’ll discuss the popular series “The Lives of Remarkable People,” or simply LRP. In our library, you can find a substantial number of books from this series.

This is one of the most famous and extensive series of artistic and biographical books, which began in Russia at the end of the 19th century and continues to this day. Over the years, it has undergone significant changes, yet it has always remained popular, offering readers insight into the lives of prominent figures who left their mark on world history.

Main stages of the series’ development:

Original Publication (1890–1924):

The series was conceived and began publication by F.F. Pavlenkov’s publishing house at the end of the 19th century, focusing on outstanding figures across various fields—from statesmen to scientists and philosophers. By the end of 1924, nearly two hundred books had been published. After 1900, only reprints were issued.

Revival of the Series in the 1930s:

In the early 1930s, Maxim Gorky revived the series, initiating a new edition under the “Journal-Newspaper Association” in 1933. During this period, biographies of revolutionaries, scientists, and artists were added, reflecting the social and political changes of the time. Editorial work was carried out by renowned scholars and writers.

Period of Existence in the USSR:

In the subsequent decades, the series continued to develop. In the 1950s, three key selection criteria for publications were established: scientific accuracy, high literary quality, and engagement. This period saw a large number of works by professional historians and writers, enhancing the quality of the series. However, in Soviet times, ideology influenced hero selection, often presenting figures as idealized and morally flawless.

After the Dissolution of the USSR:

In the 1990s, the series faced challenges from reduced print runs and competition from new media. During this period, the approach to biographies became more varied. Topics broadened to include books on tsars, Orthodox saints, emigrants, and figures of the White Movement, along with an increase in translated editions.

Circulation and Significance:

Over its existence, “LRP” became not only popular but also a symbol of high recognition in cultural and scientific circles. Many authors who contributed to the series later became subjects of other biographies. The total print run of the series exceeded 100 million copies, with over 1,500 editions published by 2010.