The modern child and the fairy tale: problems of dialogue - V.F. Odoevsky. Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus

Vladimir Odoevsky

“Fairy tales and stories for children” by V.F. Odoevsky, printed in St. Petersburg, in the printing house of S.N. Glinka, without indicating the year of publication, is a small, elegant book in a “pocket” format with brightly hand-colored illustrations. On the back title page a censorship permit signed by censor Freygang, dated November 18, 1838, is shown. The bibliographic rarity of the book is confirmed by the fact that it is not mentioned even in such authoritative book reference books as “Russian Illustrated Editions of the XVIII and XIX centuries» V.A. Vereshchagina, “Catalogue of Russian illustrated publications” N.A. Obolyaninov or “My Library” by N.P. Smirnov-Sokolsky.

Based on the date of censorship permission, the copy of “Fairy Tales and Stories for the Children of Grandfather Irenaeus” described in the Bibliochronicle should be classified as one of the rarest copies of the 1838 edition. This publication did not go on sale, since Odoevsky, depressed by the quality of printing and the number of typographical errors, ordered its entire circulation to be destroyed.

Ten years later, the story of the failed collection of fairy tales and stories received an unexpected continuation. The St. Petersburg bookseller, later the author of memoirs and detailed catalogs of the book trade, Nikolai Grigorievich Ovsyannikov, in 1848 placed an advertisement in the newspaper “Vedomosti of the St. Petersburg City Police” for the sale in his bookstore of a new edition of “Fairy Tales and Stories,” allegedly undertaken by Odoevsky. IN open letter to the editor of the “Gazette of the St. Petersburg City Police” V.S. Mezhevich (1849. No. 1), Odoevsky not only denied his participation in this trading enterprise, but also discovered a direct connection between the editions of “Fairy Tales” of 1838 and 1848: “Dear sir, Vasily Stepanovich! They accidentally pointed out to me in No. 282 of the St. Petersburg Police Gazette, December 20, an advertisement by the bookseller Ovsyannikov about a book allegedly published by me in 1848 entitled “Fairy Tales and Stories for the Children of Grandfather Irenaeus.” Please, inform your readers that I have not published a book with such an illiterate title in 1848 or in any year, and that the announcement of the bookseller Ovsyannikov was made not only without my consent, but also without my knowledge. Looking at a copy of this strange book, I saw that it consisted of waste paper sheets from the edition of my “Children's Fairy Tales”, which one of my acquaintances had undertaken back in 1838 and which I then ordered to be destroyed, because it was disfigured by countless typographical errors. The bookseller, having probably bought up this waste paper, did not at all find it difficult to include it in the new, 1848, edition of my “Children's Tales,” give it an illiterate title and, without telling me a word, put it on sale with my name. I could pursue this intricate speculation through legal proceedings, but this time I limit myself to exposing it alone, leaving an assessment of this incident to those who study the history of our book trade. I dare to hope that other gentlemen journalists will not refuse to repeat the above explanation in their papers, for here the matter is common to all writers.”

Odoevsky’s refutation letter served as a valuable document that sheds light on the history of the publication of “Fairy Tales and Stories of Grandfather Irenaeus” in 1838, which, by order of Odoevsky, was sent to waste paper, but at the initiative of publishers or typographers, preserved both in the form of separate printing sheets and bound and bound books .

Taking care of educating the minds and hearts of young readers, encouraging them to noble aspirations, mercy and compassion, Odoevsky did not refuse direct edification in any of his “stories.” The story about the poor horse Gnedko, completely tortured by his owner-driver, ended with the following maxim: “Do not torture any animal, my friends, because it is sinful and shows an evil heart.” A tale about four deaf people who, due to their deafness, were unable to understand each other and therefore found themselves in funny situation, served as a reason for the author to remind that every student, in order not to grow up to be a “fool,” must listen carefully to the teacher.

Being himself a man of encyclopedic knowledge, Odoevsky in “Fairy Tales and Stories” pursued not only educational, but also educational goals. For example, “The Indian Tale of the Four Deaf People” began not with the usual fairy tale beginning, but with a rather detailed description geographical location India, its climate, flora and minerals.

The collection contains eight illustrations made by unknown artist. The popular print character of the pictures indicates not so much conscious stylization as the low level of skill of the illustrator. In “Memoirs of an old bookseller about the St. Petersburg book trade” by the aforementioned N.G. Ovsyannikov contains an interesting remark, partly related to the illustrations for “Fairy Tales and Stories”:

“Children’s literature... until the early 50s was in a pitiful situation, even pictures cut exclusively on copper, due to lack of good artists, came out as popular prints.”

The picture on the engraved title represents children settling down round table in the living room and among them is “Grandfather Irenei” with a book in his hands. Despite all the conventionality of the drawing, the image of “Grandfather Iriney” is quite consistent with his prototype: “a small, thin, short, very clean man with smoothed hair” - Iriney Modestovich Gomozeyka, under whose name “Motley Tales” by V.F. appeared in 1833. Odoevsky.

“Fairy Tales and Stories” is not Odoevsky’s only experience, children's writer and teacher. Together with his relative - translator and publisher V.A. Vrassky - he prepared two collections entitled “Children’s book for Sundays"(St. Petersburg, 18331834). In the 1830s, Odoevsky published not only one of his most famous works- “Town in a snuffbox”, but also many articles on the theory of pedagogy. With problems public education and education was associated with him social activity. An influential dignitary, he accepted Active participation in the organization of schools, hospitals, orphanages, compiled books and textbooks for public schools. Odoevsky was convinced that ignorance always goes hand in hand with immorality.

Writer, philosopher, musician-theorist, scientist, interested in mathematics, physics, natural sciences, medicine and alchemy - from all the diversity creative activities Odoevsky's works for children received the greatest recognition. During the second half of the 19th century centuries, “Fairy Tales and Stories” were reprinted about ten times. As for the collection of 1838, which, by the will of fate, became an absolute book rarity, this is one of Odoevsky’s first literary performances under the guise of “Grandfather Irenaeus.”

Check out the titles of “Fairy Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus”: “Silver Ruble”, “Organ Grinder”, “Broken Jug”, “Town in a Snuff Box”, “Anecdotes about Ants”, “Poor Gnedko”, “Carpenter”, “Moroz Ivanovich”, “ About four deaf people”, “Worm”, “Inhabitant of Mount Athos”, “Orphan”, “Excerpts from Masha’s journal”, “Two trees”. Which of these fairy tales are you familiar with? Which ones can you tell from the title that they are fairy tales? To answer this question absolutely correctly, you need to read them.

Most often you name the fairy tales “Moroz Ivanovich” and “Town in the Snuffbox”. But “Anecdotes about Ants” and many other works from this collection can also be considered fairy tales. What matters is what the author himself gave them common name"Fairy tales". And while reading them, it’s worth thinking about why the author called the most diverse stories that way. He probably thought that each of these tales contains fiction and is the result of the author’s imagination.

Read an excerpt from “Anecdotes about Ants.

As you know, the main occupation

ants - this is to stock up food for the winter during the summer. I think all my readers know that ants hide the grains they collect in the ground at night, and during the day they take them out to dry in the sun. If you've ever paid attention to an anthill, you've probably noticed small piles of grains around it. I knew their custom and therefore was extremely surprised to notice that my guests did the completely opposite: they kept their grains underground for the whole day, despite the sunshine, and, on the contrary, took them out at night; one would have thought that they carried their grains to Moonlight, but I was mistaken - my ants had an important reason to act this way and not otherwise.

A short distance from the window there was a dovecote; pigeons constantly sat on the window and ate the grains that caught their eye; therefore, my ants acted very wisely, hiding their treasure and not trusting its thieves.”

Can you prove that this is an artistic speech and not scientific information?

Before us, of course, piece of art, in which observations are transmitted inquisitive person for insects that accidentally came into his field of vision. He makes a conclusion about their prudence, which a scientist would never do. The researcher will never see human thoughts and feelings in insects, since he knows exactly the characteristics of each living creature. In works of folklore or literature created by any nation, not only living beings, but also natural phenomena and even objects are often humanized. A scientist is always precise in his definitions and characteristics.

Students often talk about their observations of animals and various insects during summer holidays. Some students feed birds and squirrels in winter, and funny things happen to them. Thus, one sixth grader was very proud that he had attached a bird feeder to his window, which the crows could not “rob”: he positioned it so skillfully that the crows’ wings prevented them from flying up to this feeder.

Glossary:

Odoevsky poor Gnedko summary
poor gnedko summary
summary of poor nest
meet the names of grandfather Irenei's fairy tales, which of these fairy tales are you familiar with, which ones can you tell by the title that these are fairy tales, are all of these works fairy tales?
the author of this story about ants is your age, can you remember your own attempt to observe nature and life

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Vladimir Fedorovich Odoevsky
A town in a snuffbox. Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus

Address to the reader

DEAR READER!

In your hands is a book that contains works created more than 150 years ago, back in the 19th century. Grandfather Iriney is one of the many pseudonyms of the writer Vladimir Fedorovich Odoevsky (1804–1869).

He belonged to the ancient Russian family of Rurikovich. Since childhood, Vladimir was inquisitive, read a lot, enthusiastically. He studied diligently at the Noble boarding school of Moscow University, founded by the brilliant Russian scientist and poet Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov. He successfully completed his “Preparatory Encyclopedic Program” and tirelessly studied additionally. Already in childhood he became known as an encyclopedist, that is, widely educated person. Vladimir Odoevsky graduated from the boarding house with a gold medal.

During his student years, V. Odoevsky was passionate about various sciences and arts: philosophy and chemistry, mathematics and music, history and museum work... His idol was Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov. “This man is my ideal. He is a type of Slavic all-encompassing spirit,” admitted Vladimir Odoevsky. But most of all Odoevsky was attracted to literature: Russian speech, Russian poetry, literary creativity, which became his life’s work. However, having become famous writer, he often changed professional pursuits. “A person should not ... give up the activity to which the circumstances of his life call him,” said the writer. And Odoevsky’s life was interesting, emotional, and intellectually rich.

He was part of famous society Lyubomudrov. Together with the future Decembrist V.K. Kuchelbecker published the popular almanac Mnemosyne in those years. He was bestowed with friendly attention by A. S. Pushkin, N. V. Gogol, V. A. Zhukovsky, M. Yu. Lermontov, composer M. I. Glinka, scientist-critic “frantic” Vissarion Belinsky... Vladimir Fedorovich wrote his first book Odoevsky gave the following title: “Motley fairy tales with eloquent words, collected by Irinei Modestovich Gomozeyka, master of philosophy and member of various learned societies, published by V. Bezglasny."

Literally - a hoax name, but interesting. When you become an adult, my friend, read this book. You will receive great pleasure! One of the fairy tales is named after the mystical hero - “Igosha”. He is from the shishimor, shishig family (these are restless lake spirits). This is exactly what Igosha is like – armless, legless, invisible, mischievous. He is looking for justice. This causes a lot of anxiety. But at the same time it makes you respect yourself.

This fantastic fairy tale V. Odoevsky echoes the works of Ernest Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann - German writer(1776–1822). The fidgety Igosha and Carlson, who lives on the roof, are related. It was invented by Astrid Lindgren, a wonderful Swedish writer, very beloved by children in many countries.

V.F. Odoevsky loved children. He studied pedagogical ideas Russian and foreign scientists. He created his own theory of childhood and used it when writing fairy tales for children. The writer saw in the child not only the need for fast movement, for lively play. He appreciated his penchant for reflection, curiosity, and responsiveness. He was very interested in what and how children read: with love or only out of necessity. After all, he himself read a lot and enthusiastically, so he knew the value of books and reading. It is no coincidence that the book “Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus” was published during the years of Odoevsky’s literary maturity, full recognition his talent both by readers and critics.

The first children's fairy tale, “The Town in the Snuffbox,” was published back in 1834. Only six years later, in 1840, the writer prepared a separate book for the publication of “Children's Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus.” But there was a misunderstanding: due to large quantity its typos were not published. It appeared only in 1841, although in the then popular magazine " Domestic notes"For 1840, Vissarion Belinsky already published big article about this book.

The tales were republished more than once in both the 19th and 20th centuries. You, my friend, have in your hands a 21st century edition. It includes fourteen works. When you read them, please think: can they all be called fairy tales? For example, “Silver Ruble”, “Poor Gnedko”, “Excerpts from Masha’s Magazine” (and maybe some more)? There are quite pictures in them real life. Why kind grandfather Does Irenaeus put these works on a par with those whose very name makes one want to read a fairy tale? For example, “Moroz Ivanovich”, “Town in a Snuff Box”... You probably met Moroz Ivanovich when you were reading or listening to Russian folk tales. A snuff box, even if it is large, can hardly accommodate an entire town, even a toy one. In a fairy tale, everything is possible. That's why it's a fairy tale.

Apparently, grandfather Irenaeus wanted to interest, captivate his reader, awaken the imagination, and infect him with fantasy. And at the same time, to encourage you, my friend, to think for yourself, so that you yourself, together with the storyteller Irenaeus, try to get involved in the lives of the heroes, feel the intonation of the story, hear the gentle voice of the narrator. Grandfather Irenaeus wants you to be not an outside observer when reading, but, as it were, actor works. The wise Irenaeus knew that a story becomes fabulously fascinating and unusual if the reader experiences it along with the characters. Imagine that you personally hear the ringing of bells, their conversation, while traveling around the city in a snuff box. It is you and Masha who personally learn the secrets of housekeeping. You yourself are offended by the behavior of Masha’s friends, who humiliate one of the girls because she is not from rich family. This is you overcoming the temptation to spend all your money on something very pleasant and desirable for you, and not on what you need for your home. And of course, you give an “account for yourself in your life”, guided by your voice kind heart and a “hearted” mind.

The main thing when reading is to feel the kindness of the author himself, grandfather Irenaeus. “And what a wonderful old man! What a young, gracious soul he has! What warmth and life emanates from his stories and what an extraordinary skill he has to lure the imagination, irritate curiosity, arouse attention sometimes in the most apparently a simple story! We advise, dear children, to get to know Grandfather Irenaeus better... If you go for a walk with him, the greatest pleasure awaits you: you can run, jump, make noise, and meanwhile he will tell you the name of each grass, each butterfly, how they are born , grow and, dying, are resurrected again for a new life,” this is what the great critic V. Belinsky wrote about the book that is in your hands.

Well, my dear reader, travel with the writer further through the pages of his works. Here is the fairy tale "The Worm". Before its publication in the collection of fairy tales of grandfather Irenaeus, it was published back in 1835 in the “Children's Book for Sundays.” Just a few pages are devoted to the history of the birth of the worm, his short life, rebirth into a butterfly. A short, sweet sketch. It contains one of the eternal ideas - about the immortality of the soul and about life after death. And how many amazing observations the attentive and wise guide Irenei shared with us. So, together with Misha and Lizanka, we saw a moving worm: “... on a leaf of a flowering bush, under a light transparent blanket, like cotton paper, in a thin shell lay a worm. It had been lying there for a long time, for a long time the breeze had rocked its cradle, and it sweetly was dozing in his airy bed. The children's conversation awakened the worm; he drilled a window in his shell, looked out into God's light, looked - it was bright, good, and the sun was warming; our little worm began to think."

Check out the titles of “Tales of Grandfather Iriney”: “Silver Ruble”, “Organ Grinder”, “Broken Jug”, “Town in a Snuffbox”, “Anecdotes about Ants”, “Poor Gnedko”, “Carpenter”, “Moroz Ivanovich”, “ About four deaf people”, “Worm”, “Inhabitant of Mount Athos”, “Orphan”, “Excerpts from Masha’s journal”, “Two trees”. Which of these fairy tales are you familiar with? Which ones can you tell from the title that they are fairy tales? To answer this question absolutely correctly, you need to read them.

Most often you name the fairy tales “Moroz Ivanovich” and “Town in a Snuffbox”. But “Anecdotes about Ants” and many other works from this collection can also be considered fairy tales. The important thing is that the author himself gave them the general name “Fairy Tales”. And while reading them, it’s worth thinking about why the author called the most diverse stories that way. He probably thought that each of these tales contains fiction and is the result of the author’s imagination.

Read an excerpt from “Anecdotes about Ants.

As you know, the main occupation of ants is to store food for the winter during the summer. I think all my readers know that ants hide the grains they collect in the ground at night, and during the day they take them out to dry in the sun. If you've ever paid attention to an anthill, you've probably noticed small piles of grains around it. I knew their custom and therefore was extremely surprised to notice that my guests did the completely opposite: they kept their grains underground for the whole day, despite the sunshine, and, on the contrary, took them out at night; one might have thought that they carried their grains into the moonlight, but I was mistaken - my ants had an important reason for doing this and not otherwise.

Can you prove that this is an artistic speech and not scientific information?

Before us, of course, is a work of art that conveys the observations of an inquisitive person about insects that accidentally came into his field of vision. He makes a conclusion about their prudence, which a scientist would never do. The researcher will never see human thoughts and feelings in insects, since he knows exactly the characteristics of each living creature. In works of folklore or literature created by any nation, not only living beings, but also natural phenomena and even objects are often humanized. A scientist is always precise in his definitions and characteristics.

The author of this story about ants is your age. Can you remember your own attempt? observe nature and the life of living creatures near you? If this did not happen, how can you explain it?

Students often talk about their observations of animals and various insects during the summer holidays. Some students feed birds and squirrels in winter, and funny things happen to them. Thus, one sixth grader was very proud that he had attached a bird feeder to his window, which the crows could not “rob”: he positioned it so skillfully that the crows’ wings prevented them from flying up to this feeder.

The modern child and the fairy tale: problems of dialogue - V.F. Odoevsky. Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus

Vladimir Odoevsky

Glossary:

Other works on this topic:

Vladimir Fedorovich Odoevsky A town in a snuffbox. Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus

Address to the reader

Vladimir Fedorovich Odoevsky
A town in a snuffbox. Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus