BOOKS

The article considers the first initiatives of the Russian Empress Catherine the Great in question of Censorship. The article gives an account of the state controlling of book printing, book delivery and book banning in the second half of 18th century. The great interest is the analysis of the public opinion in question of Catherine’s censorship reforms.

One of the outstanding statemen and public figures of the Russia of the 40s – 60s of the 19th century was Avraam Sergeyevich Norov.He devoted his life to serving Russia which he loved sincerely and unselfishly. In 1812 A. S. Norov, a young boy of 17, defended his Motherland from the enemy. In 1854–1858 holding the post of the Minister of People`s Education he contributed with all his efforts to the development of education in the country. A. S. Norov made a significant contribution to the formation and development of native Oriental Studies.