Confucius in 'World Literature.' V.M. Alekseev’s Report on the Chinese Philosopher in 1921 (Based on the Materials of A.M. Gorky Archive of IWL RAS)

The article introduces an unknown report of the sinologist V.M. Alekseev on the alleged translation of Confucius, made at the editorial Board of the publishing house “World Literature,” into scientific circulation. The speech preserved in the typewritten record of the meeting of April 1, 1921, represents a prominent event both in the history of the publishing house itself and in the history of Russian Sinology. The presented material shows that the “World Literature” was not only a publishing institution of the first years of Soviet power, but also a major scientific center, where it was possible to gather leading writers and scientists. The attached report by V.M. Alekseev is supplemented by an extended discussion, which clearly illustrates the scientific level of the debates that were conducted in the “World Literature” during the preparation of the majority of both published and conceived books. At the same time, the published report is valuable as an independent research covering the history of the study of Confucius, existing translations, as well as the domestic reception of Chinese philosopher’s teachings.