Chekhov and the Theater.
Inscribed to Lillian Hellman by Nicolai Gorchacoff
Inscribed by Hellman to Lilian Bernstein
[Hellman, Lillian]. [Russian title page:] Pavlovich, Anton. Chekhov and the Theatre. Moscow: Soviet Union State Publishers, 1955.
4to.; illustrated throughout with black and white photographs and illustrations; with occasional full color plates tipped-in; grey cloth, stamped in green; extremities worn. In a specially made cloth slipcase.
First edition of this photographic history of Chekhov on the Russian Stage from 1887, including reproductions of playbills, prints, and photographs. A presentation copy, inscribed in a large hand in blue ink in three lines across the top of the front endpaper: [ ] Lilian Hellman / We wish cordially your play / To be a great success! N. Gorchacoff. Nicolai Gorchakoff, a drama critic and historian, met Hellman in 1946 during her visit to Russia. He would go on to write The Theater in Soviet Russia (1957). In the inscription he likely references Hellman’s 1955 adaptation of Candide. Beneath the inscription are the ink signatures of eight other members of the Russian theater community, including set designer Vera Popova.
Hellman later presented this copy herself, inscribing it next to the list of signators to the inscription to Leonard Bernstein’s wife, Lilian: Who gives it to Felicia with affection and confidence. Leonard Bernstein’s bookplate is also present. Hellman worked with both Bernsteins on Candide, a difficult experience for all of them. Hellman and Leonard had planned to write all the lyrics themselves, but Lilian assisted with one song: “I’m so Easily Assimilated.” She later wrote of the collaboration: “When the hurricanes were over – and it took a long time – our true affection for each other was delicately stitched together by his wife” (Washington Post interview, August 26, 1978).
(#9471)
Print Inquire