Information about the author:
Valentin I. Korovin
Valentin I. Korovin, DSc in Philology, Emeritus Professor, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Malaya Pirogovskaya St., 1/1, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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Abstract:
This article addresses the complex textual problem of the main source of N. Gumilev’s poetry collection “The Marquee”. It examines the debate about which version of the text is authoritative — the Sevastopol or the Reval edition sanctified by the last author’s will — as well as tracing the genesis of “The Marquee” and its publishing history. It is shown that the Reval version was a renunciation of the Sevastopol edition, distorted by cuts made under the pressure of insurmountable material circumstances, and a restoration of Gumilev’s deep and varied plan. Thus, it truly embodies the last will of the author.