Description:

Lenin Vladimir

Vladimir Lenin's Widow, Nadezhda Krupskaya, ALS Regarding Soviet Education & Indoctrination: "This constitutes good reading material"

 

1p Russian autograph letter signed by Nadezhda Krupskaya (1869-1939), Soviet stateswoman and widow of national hero Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924), and signed by her (translated) as "Communist Greetings, N. Krupskaya". Postmarked from Moscow, Soviet Union and dated February 17, 1937. Written in Russian Cyrillic in purple ink on cream laid paper. Expected light paper folds, else near fine. The letter measures 5.5" x 7.5".  Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, which is an official Enlightenment Commissariat cover featuring Krupskaya's preprinted name. The envelope is stamped, postmarked, and bears several philatelic markings; it is letter-opened at top and with a closed tear.

 

Krupskaya wrote this letter to a certain "Comrade Tikhonov" in her capacity as Deputy People's Commissar for Education, a position second only to the education minister himself, and one she held between 1929-1939. While Krupskaya wielded limited political power, she exercised considerable influence in the affairs of the Enlightenment Commissariat, especially concerning adult education and support for public libraries. Krupskaya also wrote regularly on the topic of children's education, promoting the thesis that investing in education and indoctrination of the youth greatly benefited Soviet society. The letter is rather typical of her views.

 

Translation:

 

"Dear Comrade Tikhonov,

 

I have received your letter and the issues of Za Gramotnost [Yes to Literacy] newspaper you have sent. I liked that the newspaper tries to interest semi-literate readers in political matters, and to expand their horizons. This constitutes good reading material.

 

Students' letters, on the other hand, look too much alike, as if they were dictated by the teachers - all follow the same pattern. If left to their own devices, students will likely express similar thoughts, but present them in a different manner.

 

It is important for students to write on their own - and not just about their studies. Newspapers should periodically include articles that stimulate students to express their opinion.

 

Overall though, your little newspaper is quite good.

 

Communist Greetings,

 

N. Krupskaya".

 

Krupskaya had married Lenin in 1898, soon after both were exiled to Siberia on different criminal charges. The pair, who had met at a Marxist discussion group in 1894, were married until Lenin's death in 1924. 

 

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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