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Abstract:

Written by a former graduate student of Y. Mann at the A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature (IWL) in 1984– 1988, these recollections highlight the exceptional human qualities of an outstanding scholar. They trace O. Bogdanova’s professional and personal relationship with Mann, emphasizing episodes that throw light on the scholar’s personality: editing the author’s introductory essay to the IWL graduate school, participating in competition exams, directing the author’s thesis, providing assistance in research and other areas, informal communication, etc. The article paints the picture of a person who possessed a rare combination of qualities: the ability to understand his interlocutor while firmly defending his own position, nobleness and the commitment to eternal values, generosity and moral rectitude, attention and benevolence to others despite all the injustices he experienced in his own life, a readiness to help, personal modesty and genuine charm, and a light and elegant sense of humour.