Description:

Maxim Gorky
n.p., n.d.
Maxim Gorky Handwritten Letter Canceling Publishing Contract
AL
Maxim Gorky (1868-1936). Autograph Letter, in Russian, 1p, on grid-lined paper measuring 8.5" x 11", no place, no date. Unsigned. Flattened central horizontal fold. Creases, wrinkles, and scattered stains. Small tears at edges, not affecting bold text. In very good plus to near fine condition. Ex-Christie's, 2021.

Translated to English: "The fact of the appearance in the pages of some European newspapers of incorrect and slanderous information about the publication of the book planned by us has caused a negative attitude among my comrades towards this project.

But even if such an attitude had not been engendered, all the same, I have become convinced that the manuscript of the book could not have been delivered to you by the time agreed upon by the formal contract: there is no time to write the articles for it.

Considering that the contract has been breached, I am returning to you your cheque for the amount of 2,500 d. and 500 d. financing the translation of the manuscript.

If on the other hand you do not mind postponing the publication until the autumn, I am willing to try to convince my comrades of the need for the publication, and if it pleases you, we may again resume negotiations with you. By October of the current year, we will take stock of the entire work period up to 15 years and this will make the book much more solid and more convincing."

Gorky was a Russian and Soviet writer and proponent of socialism. He was nominated five times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Before his success as an author, he travelled widely across the Russian Empire. He changed jobs frequently, experiences which would later influence his writing. During World War I, Gorky supported pacifism and internationalism and anti-war protests. For a significant part of his life he was exiled from Russia, being critical both of the Tsarism and of the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War and the 1920s, condemning the latter for political repressions. In 1928, Gorky returned to the USSR on Joseph Stalin's personal invitation and lived there from 1932 until his death.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: AL

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