Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev (1818-1883)
Suffering from writer's block. 1875
Autograph letter signed ('Iw. Turgènjew') to the editors of the weekly magazine Die Gegenwart, 50 rue de Douai, Paris, 6 March 1875.

In German. Two pages, 205 x 131mm, on a bifolium, with embossed initials 'IT'.

Suffering from writer's block. Turgenev has received a flattering letter from his correspondent, but 'must admit with as much regret as shame that the composition which I had promised for the middle of February is not ready yet – since for several months past I have managed no literary work. – I have had to give the same explanation to my Russian publisher – and can give no fixed date at all'. The only thing he can promise is that Gegenwart will receive his first completed work: 'This is a very vague promise – but I cannot do otherwise'. He has read an essay sent to him ('about the 37') with 'the greatest satisfaction', and asks his correspondents to thank the author for him.

Die Gegenwart was a weekly magazine founded in Berlin in 1872: the first editor, until 1882, was Paul Lindau (1839-1919).

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