Литературные суды: От “Народнои˘ филологии” к судебно-следственнои˘ практике репрессивных органов

The article traces the history of the mock trials of literary characters, from its origins in pre-revolutionary Russia's grammar schools to public performances both at émigré and Soviet cultural gatherings. The mock trials are treated as a form of what might be termed “popular scholarship” (“narodnaia filologiia”). The mock trials' influence on the show trials of the Stalin era is explored.