Scope and arrangement
The papers consist of l4 bound volumes of letters and diaries in Russian typescript written during his years in exile. The "Moscow/London Letters" (1921-1927) are copies of confidential correspondence exchanged between Riabouchinsky, his brothers, and other emigrés with family members, friends, and business associates in Moscow and Riga. The letters contain considerable information on economic conditions and daily life in Russia during the period as well as detailed information on the fate of the family and its holdings after the Revolution.
The "Letters From Father To Son" (1927-1955) contain over 1,000 of Riabouchinsky's letters to his son Paul (Pavel/Pavlik) who left England in 1927 to study and eventually settle in the United States.
"The Troublesome Years" is Riabouchinsky's memoir of the period from December 1917 to May 1919 which chronicles his activities between the time of the Revolution and his flight to England. His diaries pick up where the narrative ends. The six volumes cover the years 1919-1960. In addition to the daily entries the diaries also contain newspaper clippings, photographs, and other memorabilia.