N. S. Leskov about the Writer''s Discourse
N. S. Leskov (1835-1895) is the second after P. Ya. Chaadaev genius of Russia with «scandalous reputation». The change in his life and creativity - from boycott (excommunication) to the accruing recognition - happened after 1865. The writer-publicist, expert on the Russian speech, psychologist of the Russian soul (nation) mysteries entered literature history. A culturological approach to N. S. Leskov's heritage assumes to use a concept and phenomenon «discourse» in the author's understanding in organic unity with «chronotope» (M. M. Bakhtin) according to certain works. In the article the thorny road of Leskov’s ascension to the world of literature is tracked. Sources of ostracism of the beginning writer are revealed. The author's version of Leskov’s credo as a person and creator is offered. Contours of the message of the Russian genius to future generations are designated.