Социолог номер один: К 140-летию Н.Н. Андреева

Based on the rare archive data, the article for the first time in the history of sociology explores the life and academic heritage of Nikolay Andreev, one of the leading Russian sociologists of the 20th century. Andreev studied at the Universities of Heidelberg, Berlin, Leipzig and Strasbourg, attending classes of such outstanding professors as Wilhelm Windelband, Kuno Fischer and Georg Jellinek. He was among the founders of the M.M. Kovalevsky’s Russian Sociological Society (set up in 1916). The scope of his scientific research includes works on sociology, history, religion, as well as studies on the important political issues of Russia in the first quarter of the 20th century. He published more than 60 works, written in accessible language for mass reader. Besides Andreev’s research, the article gives an account of his extensive teaching experience in various Russian educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities. From 1895 to 1917 Andreev was an active participant of the Russian revolutionary movement and was personally acquainted with V. Lenin, G. Plekhanov, V. Bonch-Bruyevich, A. Lunacharsky and other leading social-democrats. The author of the article further elaborates on Andreev’s sociological views, focusing on his Marxist reasoning on the materialistic comprehension of history and his sophisticated analysis of the relationship between history and sociology. In conclusion, the author underlines Andreev’s outstanding role in shaping the Soviet sociological academic tradition.