Archive of the Russian Revolution: Volumes 1-18

In the 20th century, between 1921 and 1937, I. W. Gessen, a leader of the Cadets, published a unique printed edition in Berlin known as “The Slovo Is white émigré collections.” This 22-volume series contained documents, memoirs, and historical accounts of the February and October revolutions, focusing mainly on counter-revolutionary figures, White Guard generals, and their associates. The collections are a valuable source of materials on the counter-revolutionary movement and the civil war.

Iosif Vladimirovich Gessen: A Brief Biography

Born: Odessa, in a Jewish merchant family.

Education: Studied natural sciences and law at Novorossiysk University in Odessa but was expelled for “verbally insulting a student.” He later continued his studies at St. Petersburg University.

Political Involvement: Arrested for affiliations with the People’s Will and later exiled. Participated in the creation of the Constitutional Democratic Party (Cadet Party), becoming a significant figure within the party.

Legal and Journalistic Career: Attorney at Law, editor-in-chief of “Right” newspaper, and co-editor of other publications. Actively concerned with the position of the Jews in the Russian Empire.

Exile: Opposed the Soviet regime and emigrated to Finland in 1919 or 1920. Criticized the Bolsheviks and moved to Germany.

Later Works: Founded the Russian-language newspaper “Rul” and published a 22-volume documentary collection, “The Archive of the Russian Revolution.” Authored memoirs: “In Two Centuries” and “Years of Exile.”

Final Years: Moved to Paris in 1936, then to the United States in 1941, settling in New York, where he died.

This condensed version maintains the essential information about I. W. Gessen’s life, political activities, and publications, summarizing his significant contributions and experiences.