Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev (1818-1883)
Declining a biography. 1881
Autograph letter signed ('Ivan Tourguéneff') to an unidentified recipient ('Monsieur'), 50 rue de Douai, Paris, 23 March 1881.

One page, 211 x 135mm, on a bifolium with Turgenev's printed address and monogram.

Declining a biography: 'my "portrait" would be of no interest to anyone'. Turgenev writes to a would-be biographer: 'I have to present you my excuses; for I am going to withdraw my promise. Having considered the matter, I feel that it is only a writer's literary works which should be submitted to the appreciation of critics; the public has nothing to do with his private life. – Indeed, as I told you, my biography offers nothing striking – and my "portrait" – would be of no interest to anyone'. In a postscript, Turgenev hopes that the recipient will keep as a souvenir the copy of Fathers and Sons which he has had sent to him.

This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.