Materials for Schevchenko studies in letters to Mykhailo Komarov

The aim of the work. The research is connected with the analysis of epistolaries stored in the archive of M. Komarov of the Department of Rare Publications and Manuscripts of the Odesa National Scientific Library. The purpose of the work is to find out the value of these letters for Shevchenko studies, identify the main topics related to the figure of Taras Shevchenko and figures who wrote to Mykhailo Komarov on similar topics and find the place of the figure in preserving the memory and honouring Kobzar. The methodology is based on the principles of historicism, objectivity, as well as on general historical methods – chronological, retrospective, problem-thematic and statistical-analytical. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the review of Shevchenko's plots contained in unpublished letters to M. Komarov. It is determined which of the materials are of scientific value and can be involved in further research. The circle of people who wrote to M. Komarov on the Shevchenko studies topics and for what purpose was found out. The facts that testify the leading role of M. Komarov in the development of Shevchenko studies of the late 19th – early 20th century are noted. Conclusions. In the letters sent to M. Komarov kept to this day there are many different facts that are directly or indirectly related to Shevchenko studies. They are most valuable for the history of honoring the figure of Taras Shevchenko in different regions of Ukraine and St. Petersburg, as well as for the history of compiling a bibliography of Taras Shevchenko. The letters somewhat supplement the information about the publication of Kobzar's works. Facts from the life of Kobzar, which at the time of writing the letters were little known, are now well known in Shevchenko studies. An important aspect of letters to Mykhailo Komarov is the recognition by contemporaries of his importance in the formation and accumulation of knowledge about the outstanding poet, for example, in letters from V. Leontovych, Ye. Chykalenko, or I. Belousov, which was sent to M. Komarov by B. Grinchenko.