F.K. Sologub and Moscow Publishing House: History of Cooperation

Abstract

Based on unpublished archival materials and pieces from epistolary sources, the article restores a history of F.K. Sologub’s cooperation with a popular publishing enterprise at the beginning of the 20th century — Moscow Publishing House. The article analyses business relationships between Sologub and Moscow Publishing House staff members: G.G. Blumenberg, the owner and the editor of the literary digests “Zemlia” (20 books, issued by Moscow Publishing House from 1908 to 1917); D.M. Rebrik, Blumenberg trading house’s authorized representative; Bunin, the editor of the first three books of “Zemlia”; V.S. Klestov, the representative of Moscow Publishing House in St. Petersburg. The article follows the history of Sologub’s art works publications in the literary digest “Zemlia” (short stories “The Old House” and “The Beastly Life,” a novel “Smoke and Ashes”) as well as separate editions of some books (short story collections titled “Fierce Year” (1916) and “The Blind Butterfly” (1918), a collection of poems “Red Poppy” (1917)). Based on the reviews of literary critics, the article proves thematic dialogues between the texts by Sologub and other authors within the context of “Zemlia” almanacs. Information on censorship revisions and payment considerations (gradual reduction of fees) appears to be definitely interesting from the perspective of the history of literature.