Think blogs appeared only after the birth of the Internet? Think again. The very first blog in Russia dates back to 1873, and its author was none other than Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Dostoevsky was known for his sharp intellect and unique writing style. His works are studied around the world and have earned countless admirers. Who else, if not Dostoevsky, could have created Russia’s very first blog?
It all began when Dostoevsky was working as an editor for the magazine The Citizen. There, he started adding a personal column — a space for his own reflections on current events, literature, and life. The column had a simple name: “The Writer’s Diary.”
In 1876, Dostoevsky launched his own periodical under the same title — and that’s what many consider to be the first Russian blog. But it was more than just a blog. It was also a creative laboratory where Dostoevsky developed his ideas for The Brothers Karamazov.
Russia’s First “Blogger”
The Diary was published monthly, and Dostoevsky described it as a collection of topics that had “personally impressed me over the month.” Its circulation reached 6,000 copies — quite an impressive number for the time.
The journal was published during 1876–1877 and later 1880–1881. The final issue came out just one month before the writer’s death. Each issue was sold for 20 kopecks, or 2 rubles per year with a subscription (home delivery cost extra). In The Writer’s Diary, Dostoevsky experimented with different styles and subjects — from the serious to the mundane, from politics to human nature. He wrote about:
- Current events and pressing social issues
- New books and theater premieres
- Everyday life and timeless moral questions
- Russian and international politics
- And much more
By the time The Writer’s Diary first appeared, Dostoevsky was already a literary celebrity. Readers eagerly bought the journal — and even sent him letters in response to his articles. Dostoevsky often replied to them directly within the pages of his publication, turning it into a genuine dialogue with his audience.
From Dostoevsky to Digital: The History of Blogging
People have always shared opinions about the world around them. The only difference is that, in the 19th century, only a few had the means to make their voices heard. The open Internet changed that forever — now anyone can express an opinion and share it instantly with millions. Still, not every blog captures people’s attention. Out of millions, only a few become truly influential.
Fyodor Dostoevsky was not just a literary genius. He was an engaging thinker, a brilliant conversationalist, and a man unafraid to explore uncomfortable truths. That’s why his Writer’s Diary still feels relevant and insightful even today — a timeless “blog” that continues to inspire readers more than a century later.
