The (Book of Memoirs) by Igor Mikhailovich Diakonov is a highly regarded autobiographical work by the world-renowned Russian orientalist, linguist, and historian. Published in 1995, it offers a deep look into the life of a scholar who lived through the most turbulent periods of Soviet history. Key Features & Content
The full text is widely available for free online, often with the permission of his heirs:
И.М. Дьяконов. Книга воспоминаний - Читатель — LiveJournal