The article deals with the early stages of the Bakhtin circle’s history: Petrograd (1915–1918), Nevel’ (1918–1920) and Vitebsk (1920–1924).
Much attention is paid to the controversial issue of Bakhtin’s early acquaintance with Zalessky. The concept of the core of the circle is introduced: Pumpyansky – Bakhtin – Voloshinov. This core existed both in the early and late stages from the mid-10 s to the end of the twenties of the last century. Voloshinov is a principal link between these early stages of the Bakhtin circle and the main (and final) Leningrad stage. Pavel Medvedev, who played a significant (organizing) role in Leningrad (1924–1930), appeared in the circle
only in the middle of the Vitebsk period (1921–1922).