Maxim Gorky (Alexei Maximovich Peshkov, 1868-1936)
Disavowing 'apocryphal' interviews. 1921
Manuscript signed (in Cyrllic, 'M. Gorky'), a statement to the editor of a journal, Berlin, 9 November 1921.

In German. ²⁄₃ page, 250 x 200mm. Provenance: Sotheby's, 25 May 1983 – Heritage, 6 April 2016, lot 49152.

Disavowing 'apocryphal' interviews with him in the German press. 'From Maxim Gorki, who is staying in Berlin at present for a short time, we have received the following note: / Allow me, dear Editor, the polite communication that the interviews with me which have appeared in various journals are to be considered as apocryphal, and that I can in no way assume responsibility for their content. My current state of health does not allow me to undertake conversations with gentlemen of the press; I will however not fail to accede to your wishes as soon as I have the strength to do so'.

Disenchanted with Lenin's regime and suffering from tuberculosis, Gorky had left Russia in September 1921, initially staying in Berlin; ultimately he was to settle in Sorrento, with an extended household which now included Moura Budberg, his secretary and lover.

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