Gerakov, G.  Prodolzhenie Putevykh Zapisok Po Mnogim Rossiiskim Guberniiam.  St. Petersburg: Grecha Books, 1830.

            This book is written in Ukranian, in old version of Ukranian and unless the reader is a scholar of the Ukranian language, the book will prove very difficult to read.  The author, Gavriil Gerakov is a “Statski Sovetnik,” which means he one of the domestic advisors to the Russian Throne.  This book is a big survey of different Russian provinces.  It is written in the form of a journal, and it is a first hand account of the events happening in the Russian provinces from 1820 to 1821.  The account is irrelevant to most things and most likely the audience is Gerakov’s work superior in St. Petersburg.  At one point Gerakov is describing a letter sent to him by his friend regarding the type of girl he should marry and Gerakov’s reply, which includes the 13 things his friend should avoid when picking a wife.  At other point in the account, the author goes on to claim that Odessa is a boring city and that it seems that the city is established on cheating and stealing. 

            1820 is just five years after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte.  The account is strongly concentrated on Gavriil Gerakov and his experiences, such as hanging out with his old friends, writing letters to them, observing the ‘tourist attractions’ of different cities within Russia that he visits.  The source has no mention of the Baltic whatsoever.  (AY 2006)