The (Book of Memoirs) by Igor Mikhailovich Diakonov is a highly regarded autobiographical work by the world-renowned Russian orientalist, linguist, and historian. Published in 1995, it offers a deep look into the life of a scholar who lived through the most turbulent periods of Soviet history. Key Features & Content

The book provides a personal perspective on the development of Soviet oriental studies, detailing his interactions with other major figures in the field. Where to Read or Download

The official repository of the Russian Academy of Sciences offers the complete book in PDF format.

Provides downloadable versions in ZIP and PDF formats (approx. 31 MB).

The full text is widely available for free online, often with the permission of his heirs:

Diakonov recounts his work as a translator and scholar, including unique anecdotes like translating Norwegian maps for the Northern Fleet during WWII and his early translations of the Epic of Gilgamesh .