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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2020
Autograph letter signed by Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev, considered one of the great novelists and short story writers of the 19th century. A rare letter by the author, Turgenev writes to French socialite Valentine Delessert, praising fellow Russian author Nikolai Gogol's story ''The Old World Landowners'', and also referring to his upcoming novel ''Smoke''. Dated 19 February 1866 from Baden, Germany, letter in French reads in full,
''Dear Madam, I should have responded to your last letter a long time ago, but I was holding off until I could do so face to face: you are aware that I intended to go to Paris in the middle of this month; my daughter and I were supposed to meet there. Unfortunately, I have suffered inflammation in the thumb muscle on my left hand, which has suddenly taken a nasty turn: for fifteen days now I have not left home and change my cold-water compresses every 10 minutes. It is going better now, although I cannot use my hand yet; it would appear that these afflictions are slow to heal, and my doctor advises me to have patience. I am trying to follow his prescription.
This pushes my trip to Paris back to the spring - and that is what is most unpleasant about the whole thing. I am very happy to hear that you are doing well; my daughter, who has benefited immeasurably from your kindness, shared your news with me. I hope that it will not be too long before I have the pleasure of entering that charming little parlor on rue Basse where it is so nice in every way.
I also recommend, and quite insistently, that you read the short story that Countess Adlerberg told you about - and I would add that it is a masterpiece of its genre. Unfortunately for me, it is not my creation; it is Gogol's, and can be found in a volume of his short stories published by Hachette. Its title is 'The Old World Landowners.' As I just said, I cannot help but regret that I am not its author, I regret it greatly for myself - and a bit for the countess, who is, I believe, somewhat stronger in music than in literature, which does not prevent her from being a charming woman.
As I know you would like to inquire about my literary work, I can tell you that I had made some good progress on my novel [''Smoke''] when this unpleasant incident came along to chill my passion... (Chill is exactly the word, since there is ice water involved.) However, I have not lost hope that I will be able to pick up the thread of my interrupted narrative.
In the meantime, I ask that you mention me to all of yours and accept this assurance of my sincere and devoted affection. / I. Turgenev''. Four page letter on blue lined bifolium stationery measures 5'' x 8'' as folded. Light wear and folds, overall in very good plus condition with excellent legibility. With full translation.
19th Century Russian Novelist Ivan Turgenev Autograph Letter Signed -- Praising Gogol's Story ''The Old World Landowners'': ''...I cannot help but regret that I am not its author...''
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