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A Letter of I.D.Dzerzhinsky to Sholokhov

A letter of I.D.Dzerzhinsky, April, 6, 1955, Leningrad

“Dear Mikhail Alexandrovich! Thank you for your “Virgin Soil Upturned”! I have just read the newspaper and couldn’t help but wanted to write to you.

I am particularly glad for Makar Nagulnov! Reading the chapter describing a cock fight I was concerned about his further life… It was a very stupid position that you’ve put him in.

When publishing the whole book this chapter should have been made an episode, not more. Otherwise, I feel sorry for Makar. After all, the people loved him not for his mistakes and excesses, but for the greatness of his impulses. He is a kind of a rustic knight of the revolution. And a knight is a knight! But cocks…It’s a whim of idleness and that’s all…

K.V.Potapov told me you would come to Moscow in April – I need to see you badly. If I knew at what time it makes sense to come to Moscow, I would come…

My address is: Leningrad, Ozyorny 2, flat 14.

I want to see you very much. And there is much to speak about.

I wish you good health and all other things.

          Ivan Dzerzhinsky               April, 6, 1955.

Let me know when and how long you are going to stay in Moscow.

          I.D.”