B. PASTERNAK, AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, IN GERMAN, TO THE PUBLISHER WOLFGANG STAPP, 2 DECEMBER 1959

thanking him profusely for the beautiful catalogue he has sent him, the magical names and titles of which have an effect upon him like that of a musical score, remarking that he dares not tear off the fine labels, given the way everything is so splendidly packaged, observing that, as he is undeserving, the publishing house showers him in vain with tokens of its favour, modestly explaining that a lifetime of complications have aggravated his working day to such an extent that a well-disposed foreign observer would find nothing literary or especially instructive about it, admitting that it displays, rather, the dry quotidian traits of hard work, stating that the delights of Carl Zuckmayer will be new to him, enquiring when Keil's book will appear [Rolf-Dietrich Keil's translation of his poem collection Wenn es aufklart: Gedichte 1956-1959], requesting him to convey his thanks to the employees of the publishing house, apologizing for troubling them, and passing on his cordial wishes to the Fischers ...Der Verlag verzieht und überschüttert mich mit Gunstbezeugungen ganz umsonst. Ich verdiene es nicht. Nicht dass ich durch angeborene Fehler dessen unwürdig wäre. Aber durch lebenslange nicht zu beschreibende Komplikationen habe ich meinen Werktag so verwickelt und erschwert, dass er nichts Schriftstellermässiges nichts hervorragend Belehrendes für ein wohlwollendes fremdes Auge bieten kann und eher von dem Fluche und der trockenen Alltagsnatur einer harten Arbeit zeugt, als von etwas anderem... 2 pages, 4to (287 x 203mm.), autograph envelope, together with a black-and-white reproduction of a signed and inscribed photograph of Pasternak, [Moscow], 2 December 1959, a few tiny marks to verso of leaf

Formerly on deposit in the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Depositum 43)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A fine letter by the great Russian poet and novelist, written two years after Doctor Zhivago and just six months before his death from lung cancer on 30 May 1960. Pasternak's correspondent was the noted publisher Wolfgang Stapp (1927-2017), who at the time of writing held the position of advertising manager at Fischer-Verlag in Frankfurt.