From the Introduction:

This paper aims at an analysis of Russian intellectuals? encounters with Max Weber?s works, but here limits it mainly to the ?first period,? i.e. that of the early part of the 20th century. Inquiry into Russian reception of Weber?s works, however, reveals several similarities (and, of course, important differences) among issues that confronted Russian scholars at the beginning and the end of the 20th century. These similarities suggest how a common element seems to have attracted Russian scholars to Weber?s ideas during each two distinct periods: the author of this paper proposes that this common element was the necessity and desire to construct a uniquely Russian ?civil society?. However, it goes without saying that there is a difference in the predominant image of Weber of these two periods. Taking this into account, the author will attempt to analyze aspects of Max Weber-studies as seen in Russia.