^Lot 617 Maxim Gorky

Important Russian/Soviet author and activist (1868–1936). Though his criticism of the Communist government led to a relationship marked by conflict and unease, he was ultimately embraced (though closely monitored) by the Stalinist regime, and Stalin himself was a pallbearer at Gorky’s funeral. Vintage program from the 1916 “A Literary and Musical Evening,” sponsored by the Russian Society for the Exploration of Jewish Life, 8 x 10.5, 28 pages. Signed inside, in Russian, with his real name, “A. Peshkov,” under his 4.75 x 6.5 photo affixed to the page. Three others have also signed beneath their respective images: I. V. Liachevsky (author); S. A. Koussevitzky (conductor); and I. V. Tarkoff (pianist). In very good condition, with mild toning to inside pages, scattered creases, soiling and a couple of edge tears to covers, with some heavier soiling to front cover. A very early example and the first time we have offered anything signed with his real name.