L.S. Vygotsky's Lexicon — the New Edition of a Psychological Dictionary

The works of Lev Semenovich Vygotsky (1896–1934) have long been recognized as scientific classics, translated into dozens of languages worldwide. However, many of his works still remain inaccessible to the general public.

In August 2024, the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education published the book "Vygotsky’s Lexicon," which includes the first Russian psychological dictionary co-authored by Lev Semenovich Vygotsky and Boris Yefimovich Varshava. This book also compiles all known encyclopedic articles by Vygotsky (20 articles from 4 encyclopedias). It's worth noting that the psychological dictionary was first published in 1931. L.S. Vygotsky’s co-author did not live to see the dictionary's release, tragically dying at the age of only 27.

The works published in this book have remained largely inaccessible to modern specialists. It is well known that many of Vygotsky's works have never been reprinted, and those included in the six-volume "Collected Works" were subject to reductions and extensive editorial revisions, including terminological adjustments. This inevitably disrupted what Vygotsky described as the "living process of thought being born in word." As he warned in his first book, "Educational Psychology", — "Language is the subtlest tool of thought; by distorting language, we distort thought". 

The compilers and editors of "Vygotsky’s Lexicon" have made every effort to preserve the classic's texts with the utmost care. L.S. Vygotsky was a remarkable master of words, and it is crucial to retain the style of his works intact, not to mention the scientific terminology. This publication will undoubtedly contribute to the process of restoring the "true" Vygotsky to the scientific community.

The book is intended for psychologists, educators, as well as a broad audience interested in issues of child upbringing and human personality development.