22 January 1917. Charlie Chaplin

Non-fiction

Project 1917 is a series of events that took place a hundred years ago as described by those involved. It is composed only of diaries, letters, memoirs, newspapers and other documents

Charlie Chaplin

Edendale, Los Angeles, USA

While I was pulling a street-lamp over the big bully to gas him, the head of the lamp collapsed and its sharp metal edge fell across the bridge of my nose, necessitating two surgical stitches.

, and others

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✍ Also today

Rurik Ivnev

Near the church at Semenovskaya, Russian Empire

From what I heard of a conversation: he said “I’ll slit my throat”, to which she replied “Be my guest”’.

, and others

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Maxim Gorky Ivan Bunin

23, Kronversky ave., Petrograd, Russian Empire

Dear Ivan Alekseyevich!

Allow me to request your collaboration on the newspaper Luch [Ray]. I shall say only that the newspaper promises to be really rather respectable and literary-oriented. Conditions? Whatever you see fit. I would be most happy if you could contribute some poetry or a short story towards the end of January.

You are a good friend and have never refused me your help. I hope you shall not refuse it on this occasion either.

, and others

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Mikhail Rodzianko

32, Kirochnaya street, Petrograd, Russian Empire

As you will have gleaned from my report, Your Highness, I believe the situation to be more perilous and critical than ever before. Sentiments across the country are such that we can expect the gravest of shocks. It is no secret that the Empress, acting in parallel with you, is issuing orders regarding the administration of the country, and that undesirables are quickly dismissed from their posts whenever she wills it – to be replaced by utterly unprepared individuals.

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Nicholas II

Give me facts: there are no facts as would confirm your statements.

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Aleksey Tolstoy

Minsk, Russian Empire

Literature — pure art — is the clear wine of life. What then will I do when this wine is stirred up and wanders about, when the devil himself cannot grasp whether it is tar or honey.

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Alexandra Kollontai

Atlantic ocean, aboard the steamer Bergensfjord

The Atlantic News reports that the United States has entered the war on the side of the allies… one cannot believe the Atlantic News. Rumours are reported as authoritative. But the fact remains. A constant watch is kept from the mast. The passengers are anxious. They’re afraid to go to bed… As for me, I’d actually like to live through something “serious”. As a matter of curiosity. And I feel “unafraid of anything”.

, and others

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21 January

Grand Duchess Anastasia: “The King of Romania came to see us. Nothing interesting happened.”

The Empress’s maid of honour gives an account of a mishap at a festive dinner

The Tsar’s brother discusses the situation in the country with the leader of the opposition

Nightmare before Christmas

Death of Rasputin. Murder conspiracy and its consequences

-2

in Petrograd

-10

in Moscow