Russian Thinkers by Isaiah Berlin

The book is a collection of essays exploring the ideas of key 19th-century Russian intellectuals who shaped the social, political, and cultural contours of their time. It delves into the works and impact of thinkers such as Alexander Herzen, Ivan Turgenev, and Leo Tolstoy, examining their contributions to debates on Russian identity, the role of the intelligentsia, and the future of their nation. The author critically analyzes the ideological conflicts between Westernizers and Slavophiles and the struggle to reconcile Western European liberal thought with uniquely Russian conditions, offering insights into the philosophical underpinnings of Russia's historical trajectory.

The 3614th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 114

Since this book was first published in 1978, there is a penalty of 6.4%. The age adjusted score is 106.7.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.