Here is a catalogue of essay titles and their description, written and published by Viktor Perelman in “Time and We”, some of which also appeared in leading Russian language newspapers of the respective periods (translated versions of essays themselves to English are not currently available)

 

We consider it important to inform this website’s visitors that the published previews (Vernissages) of works of hundreds of artists, who were introduced to readers in “Time and We” over 25 years, were eloquently written by Viktor Perelman himself, under the pseudonym of V. Petrovsky.

 

 

1.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. “The Hyde Park under Socialism” (an introductory essay honoring the first issue of ‘Time and We’ magazine, who the author established in 1973 as its editor-in-chief)

Excerpts from the author’s autobiographical novel “Foresaken Russia”. The author, who worked as a former correspondent of ‘Literaturnaya Gazeta’, describes the life and manners of this periodical, the most popular publication among the Soviet intelligentsia.

 “Time and We” - starts in Issue #1, Page 166, 1975 and continued in issue #2

 

2.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. “The Denial of Denial” (from the author's autobiography “Forsaken Russia”)

The author tells about the character and conditions of the Soviet press. Taking the so called ‘Abram Velikovsky case’ as a typical example, he tries to unmask the bigotry and lies of those who control the work of "ideological front" in the Soviet Union. 

“Time and We” Issue #8, Page 159, 1976

 

3.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. "About Liberals in the Soviet Ruling Class"

A commentary to Ludmila Alekseeva's article.

The author shows how the Soviet Party apparatus attempts to eliminate democratic manifestations from their ranks.

“Time and We” Issue #87, Page 142, 1985

In response to LUDMILA ALEKSEEVA’s "Socialists in the Soviet Underground". Excerpts from the book "The History of Dissent in the U.S.S.R." about the persecution of those who try to live by the principles of democracy and socialism, maintaining a human face.

 

4.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. “The Jar of Georgess” (My diaries from the Sargasso Sea)

The author brings to readers’ attention two excerpts from his diaries which he kept daily while onboard of his 1967 sailing voyage, accompanying Murmansk fishermen in the Western Atlantic ocean. The first is an excerpt from the author’s own diary, the second is from a diary of a sailor. After Viktor Perelman’s return to shore, these notes traveled as much as he himself did, if not more , passing through the hands of editors of many Moscow periodicals, including  "Znamya", "Neva" and "Yunosts".

“Time and We” Issue # 30, Page 19, 1978

 

5.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Enchanting World of Irina Reichwarger" (An Artist Vernissage Review)

"Time and We" Issue # 31, Page 208, 1978

 

6.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Third Emigration amidst the Jungle of Freedom" (a presentation given at Columbia University, NYC on December 20, 1978, addressing the Third Wave Russian emigration from a cultural and political viewpoint)

"Time and We" Issue #37, Page 103, 1979

 

7.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. “The Burden of Freedom” (a presentation given at Columbia University, NYC on April 25, 1979, addressing the challenges of immigrant life from a sociopolitical angle)

“Time and We” Issue #41, Page 90, 1979

 

8.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. “Celebrating 50 Issues of Time and We” (an editorial address to the readers honoring the 50th issue)

In November 1975, the editorial board proclaimed its intention to publish the journal aiming at a reader who is not indifferent, who is a thinker or one who strives to think, and for whom "literature is not just a form of entertainment, but rather a pillar." In this article, having published 50 issues of Time and We, its editor-in-chief Viktor Perelman validates the success of attaining his primary goal.

“Time and We” Issue #50, Page 5, 1980

 

9.             VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Do You Hear Me, Lord?" (from a speech given at the Congress of Third Wave Slavic Writers in Los Angeles, 1981)

After six years of publishing ‘Time and We’ literary magazine, its editor-in-chief reflects on the hurdles of the process of selecting the best materials and the best writers for his publication.

"Time and We" Issue #62, Page 155, 1981

 

10.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Feast of the Winners" (thinking out loud)

Following his emigration from Israel to the United States, the author shares thoughts on living a new life in America from a sociological and cultural perspective on the Russian diaspora.

"Time and We" Issue #64, Page 140, 1982

 

11.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Look back in doubt" (from the series ‘Thoughts and Reflections: Here or There’)

The author examines the multifaceted socio-economic realities, which both groups of Russian Jewish emigres face-the ones who landed and built a life in Israel, as opposed to those who headed to and settled down in America.

"Time and We" Issue #66, Page 151, 1982

 

12.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Mozart and the Emigrant Odyssey" (from the series ‘Thoughts and Reflections: Here or There’)

The author continues to examine the differences in the life of Russian Jewish emigres who live in Israel, and those living in America from a sociological and cultural perspective.

"Time and We" Issue #67, Page 146, 1982

 

13.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Fathers and Sons" (from the series ‘Thoughts and Reflections: Here or There’)

The author addresses the motives behind Russian Jewish emigration from a philosophical and sociological point of view, closely examining the one that is driven by a concern for future generations.

"Time and We" Issue #69, Page 138, 1982

 

14.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "On the Meaning and Purpose of Our Emigration" 

The author reviews Ilya Levkov’s publications in ‘Time and We’ on his sociological study of various groups of third wave immigrants in the United States titled, “New Americans En Face and in Profile - Me on the Shores of the Hudson”

"Time and We" Issue #70, Page 117, 1983

 

15.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Mechanism of Madness”

A commemorative essay about Arthur Koestler following his suicide on March 3, 1983. The author claims, that though the world press was generous in praising Koestler, calling him the greatest thinker of our time and an outstanding intellectual of the 20th century, they did not demonstrate, according to the author, a real attempt to understand who Arthur Koestler really was.

"Time and We" Issue #71, Page 83, 1983

 

16.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. “Freestyle Conversation” (from the ‘Time and We’ series of ‘Our Interviews’)

An interview was conducted by Tatyana Topilina, editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper ‘Panorama’, with editor-in-chief of ‘Time and We’ Viktor Perelman.  Topics revolve around the Russian émigré press in the west.

"Time and We" Issue #72, Page 166, 1983

 

17.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Soviet Regime and the Future of Emigration" 

The author speculates on this topic in light of the return of Svetlana Alliluyeva to the Soviet Union, a fact that was, according to the author, downplayed by main stream press.

"Time and We," Issue #81, Page 95, 1984

 

18.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "An Essay on Underground Waters”

The author’s personal reflections on the future of the Soviet Union from a sociopolitical perspective, and in light of Mikhail Gorbachev’s recent rise to power.

"Time and We," Issue #83, Page 116, 1985  

 

19.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Body and Soul of Immigrant Life" 

The author shares his subjective views on the effects of immigrant life in America on the spiritual and cultural existence of the Soviet emigre.

"Time and We," Issue #84, Page 115, 1985, “Almanac Time and We”, 1990

 

20.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "On Soviet Liberals at the Top" (author’s commentary on the article by Lyudmila Alekseeva, ‘Socialists in the Soviet Underground’)

The article raises a central question: "Are there people among the ruling circles of the USSR who sympathize with the democratic reforms, even if they do not dare to openly support them? And if so, do they have a chance to impact the current regime in the country?” 

"Time and We," Issue #87, Page 142, 1985

 

21.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "On Herman Hesse, The Cosmic Disaster and Honest Business"

The editor of the journal "Time and We" discusses issues raised by the authors in above-mentioned article in an attempt to uncover the economic reasons for the decline in quality and prestige of American goods. He refers to Milton Friedman's book "Capitalism and Freedom", as well as his recent statements- especially in his interview in "Time and We". The article expresses ideas on how democratic institutions in America can aide in solving its socio-economic problems.

“Time and We” Issue #89, Page 101, 1986

The author’s response to PYOTOR VAIL AND ALEKSANDR GENIS "Made in U.S.A.", an article about a number of socio-economic problems in America, published in "Panorama" and "Washington Post", in which the authors attempt to respond to statements made by a prominent philosopher Herman Hesse of the 20th century and discuss issues of mass culture, education and the spirituality of the American society.

 

22.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Thoughts about re-emigration"

The author analyses motives behind the return of a group of Soviet emigrants back to the USSR. According to the author, the main motive is the lack of motive for original emigration.

“Time and We” Issue #92, Page 106, 1986

 

23.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Let’s Start A Dialogue"

An open letter from the editor-in-chief of "Time and We", Viktor Perelman, to the editor of "Moskovskiye Novosti", Yegor Yakovlev. The author raises the question, whether a dialogue between those who left and those who remained in the USSR is the necessity of today’s political reality? And whether the fidelity of thought, rather than place of residence, should be the main criteria of honest communication? 

“Time and We” Issue #97, Page 222, 1987

 

24.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Leadership and the Speechless People"

An essay about the Glasnost era in Russia and the indifference of its people to the country's Perestroika.

“Time and We” Issue #98, Page 88, 1987

 

25.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "An Essay About Vocal Russia, or The Perestroika as a Poetic Metaphor"

Reflecting on the descriptive articles on Soviet society in journal "Ogonyok", the author illustrates how the policies of Glasnost proclaimed by Gorbachev have led to a split in Soviet society.

“Time and We” Issue #99, Page 152, 1987

 

26.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. “Confessions on the brink of an anniversary” (from the prose and memoirs section)

An interview of journalist Eduard Shteyn with the editor-in-chief of ‘Time and We’ Viktor Perelman, taken in context of celebration of the publishing of 100 issues of ‘Time and We’. 

“Time and We” Issue #100, Page 5, 1988

 

27.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Gorbachev Coup"

The article examines the new Soviet leader's struggle against the Party apparatus, and attempts to understand why Gorbachev is seeking alliance with the intelligentsia. The author offers analysis of the strategy of Gorbachev who, relying on Soviet clichés and slogans, objectively undermines the Soviet system.

“Time and We” Issue #101, Page 130, 1988

 

28.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Freedom, Democracy, and Permissiveness"

Political commentary by the editor-in-chief of "Time and We" on the organic links between democracy, rule of law, and the high responsibility of a citizen in a democratic society.

“Time and We” Issue #105, Page 157, 1989

 

29.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Hour is Near"

An essay on the prospects of the transition of Soviet economy to a free-market system, raising questions and doubts about the readiness for change amidst both the government and the people.

“Time and We” Issue #109, Page 112, 1990

 

30.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Can Russia be rebuilt?" (from the section ‘Political Commentary’)

A controversial discussion by the author on the topic of the political and economic climate during the Perestroika period. The author touches upon its effects on the ordinary citizen, and on the influence of media portrayal of Russia’s leadership, Yeltsin and Gorbachev, on public opinion.

 “Time and We” Issue #111, Page 126, 1990

 

31.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The New Russia"

The author examines the situation in Russia in the wake of Gorbachev’s failed coup, from a sociological and political perspective.

“Time and We” Issue #114, Page 126, 1991

 

32.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Facing the Abyss"

The author puts forth his observations on the economic collapse and degradation which has overwhelmed today's Russia following Gorbachev’s coup and expresses doubt and fear regarding the fate of the country of his birth.

“Time and We” Issue #116, Page 105, 1992

 

33.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Transmigration of the Soul of Milliy Zalevsky"

The theme of this short novel is the disintegration of the personality of a Soviet man in the era of "the great collapse." The author follows the tragic twists of fate of former Soviet theater director Zalevsky on the 36th floor of a Manhattan skyscraper. Acquiring a symbolic meaning, it becomes the last stroke in the portrait of disintegration of an individual.

“Time and We” Issue #118, Page 5, 1992

 

34.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Capitalism, Moscow-Style"

The article talks about the rapid growth of social fragmentation in today's Russia, the efforts of the party and Soviet government Nomenklatura elite to privatize former state properties and the formation of the new capitalist class in Moscow.

“Source - ERLEN BERNSTEIN. "The Market and Democracy." An essay analyzing the warped development of the market economy in the former Soviet Union.”

“Time and We” Issue #119, Page 117, 1993

 

35.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Scapegoats in a Burning Forest"

An essay on generational conflicts in modern Russia and about the media campaign against the Russian "Sixties generation".

“Time and We” Issue #120, Page 121, 1993

 

36.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "There Once Lived a Soldier..."

A new section in "Time and We", titled ‘Human Destinies’, offers the story of the June 1993 unforeseen and tragic suicide of Dr. Vladimir Safonov, Viktor Perelman’s friend and a man regarded by all as the ‘Knight of Fortune’.

“Time and We” Issue #121, Page 219, 1993

 

37.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Fall of Sherman McCoy, Master of the Universe"

Reflections on Tom Wolfe's novel, "The Bonfire of the Vanities". Essay discusses the topic of Power and the Masses in American society.

“Time and We” Issue #122, Page 163, 1993

 

38.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Where Have You Gone, Russia?  Sketches from Real Life”

The editor of "Time and We", who has spent about three months in Moscow, writes about the rapid changes he has observed in the life of Russia today.

“Time and We” Issue #125, Page 206, 1994

 

39.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. “The editorial staff is me, and the reader is my judge” (In honor of the 20th anniversary of ‘Time and We’ Magazine)

An interview by journalist Eduard Shteyn with the editor-in-chief of ‘Time and We’, Viktor Perelman. “I like to ‘storm the sky’ by making ‘Time and We’ on my own, I like to print Vagrich Bakhchyanyan's creations on its covers: Grozny killing his son, Soviet generals in clown clothes, and Napoleon with a fly agaric on his head; or to publish a hypothesis by Alexander Latzis that Trotsky is one of Pushkin’s descendants. And I like to receive letters from readers in response…”

“Time and We” Issue #127, Page 278, 1995

 

40.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The People vs. OJ Simpson" 

The author offers a subjective sociological perspective on the American juror system.

"Time and We" Issue #129, Page 103, 1995

 

41.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Russia and the World Through the Eyes of Ernst Neizvestniy - a dialogue with the sculptor”

The author describes Neizvestniy as a man from a legend-a highly sought after artist with a extraordinary biography of a past military man, a dissident, a philosopher and a thinker.

"Time and We," Issue #131, Page 203, 1996

 

42.         VIKTOR PERELMAN."A Word of Praise for Socialism as it Fades into Oblivion” (author’s response to sociologist Vladimir Shlapentokh’s essay ‘Russia at the Crossroads’) 

"Time and We," Issue #133, Page 133, 1996

 

43.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Larry Flynt in a World Upside Down" (from the section of ‘Art and Literature’)

The author’s offers his opinion and a review of the 1996 biographical drama film, The People vs. Larry Flynt by Miloš Forman, which chronicles the rise of pornographic magazine publisher Larry Flynt and his subsequent conflict with the law and the religious establishment. 

"Time and We," Issue #134, Page 205, 1996

 

44.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "‘Time and We’ and its Readers" 

The author shares the results of a sociological survey, which analyzed WHO are the readers of ‘Time and We’ and how ‘Time and We’ attracts and retains its readership. 

"Time and We," Issue #137, Page 257, 1997

 

45.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Russian Invasion" (from the section ‘Russia at the Crossroads’)

The author reflects on a recent CBS program ’60 Minutes’ depicting the new age Moscow as a thriving economic empire. The author raises subjects such as, “is capitalism really here to stay?”  and “a fish looks for deeper waters, and a man for a better life”.

"Time and We," Issue #139, Page 119, 1998

 

46.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Emigrant Odyssey of Alexander Galich" 

Viktor Perelman shares candid memories of his years long friendship and encounters with Alexander Galich in Russia, France and Israel. Remembering Galich as a poet, screenwriter, playwright, singer-songwriter, a Soviet dissident and notably, a ‘Time and We’ author, Viktor Perelman laments the death of the legend.

"Time and We," Issue #142, Page 201, 1999

 

47.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. “Amidst the World of Chaos and Infidelity, We Are Driven Solely by One Goal” (to help the reader better understand time and oneself-from Issue #1 of ‘Time and We’)

This year "Time and We" celebrated its 25th anniversary. Writer Miron Reidel interviews its editor-in-chief, Viktor Perelman, marking the magazine’s existence for quarter of a century.

"Time and We," Issue #143, Page 274, 1999

 

48.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Roman Holiday: Sorrento - Rome - Florence - Venice – Bovano” (from the section Past and Present)

The author remembers his recent travels with his wife on an organized tour to Italy. It is written in a humorous and satirical storytelling genre, yet he successfully provides a captivating historical context to his travels. 

"Time and We," Issue #145, Page 200, 1999

 

49.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Russian Invasion and the New Israel - the Modern World"

The author examines the life of new Russian immigrants in modern Israel in the context of the history of immigration.

 "Time and We," Issue #146, Page 176, 2000

 

50.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. “At the Top of the Issue - ‘Time and We’ Amidst its Surroundings”

From the speech given by Viktor Perelman at the 25th Anniversary celebration of ‘Time and We’ magazine at the Central House of Writers in Moscow on January 29, 2000.

"Time and We," Issue #147, Page 147, 2000

 

51.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "The Origins of the Glory of Today”

A historical drama told in a sarcastic tone with five interconnected plots, which were based on historical accounts.

"Time and We," Issue #148, Page 5, 2000

 

52.         VIKTOR PERELMAN. "Power and the People - Gorbachev and Yeltsin: The Outcome of Confrontation" 

Author’s subjective commentary from a political and sociological perspective on present day Russia, with its leaders in the background.

"Time and We," Issue #150, Page 125, 2001

 

53.         VIKTOR PERELMAN "The Modern World - American Optimism and the Rebels in Washington" 

The author’s subjective commentaries on recent events: In early August 2001, psychologist Barbara Held and her like-minded colleagues gathered in Washington for a symposium of the American Psychological Association titled "The Unnoticed Merits of Negativism", rebelling for the first time against what they described as, "the tyranny of positive thinking and the dominance of optimism”. 

"Time and We, Issue #151, Page 156, 2001

 

© All published materials in “Time and We”- Irina Perelman-Grabois and Alla Perelman