About the author:
Vladimir V. Shadursky, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor, Novgorod State University Yaroslav-the-Wise, Bolschaya Sankt-Peterburgskaya Str., bld. 41, 173003 Veliky Novgorod, Russia.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0039-7824
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Abstract:
The paper explores various aspects of Mark Aldanov’s participation in the life and work of Ivan Bunin in the 1940–50s. The facts of assistance to Bunin restored with the help of correspondence are characterized. His help consisted in the implementation of publishing projects, the measures taken to improve the financial situation and solve everyday issues of Bunin, to preserve his reputation as the first writer of Russia. Aldanov sincerely and faithfully preserved and strengthened their friendship, defended Bunin from the harsh criticism of his contemporaries, who did not accept his stories of the 1940s, and saved his political reputation. To support his friend, he did several desperate things. It is suggested that Aldanov could have helped Bunin in preparing a speech for the celebration of his 80th birthday. Caring for Bunin’s reputation was continued by Aldanov in correspondence with the writers in the 1950s, in a discussion of the book “Chekhov” with E.D. Kuskova, in communication with V.A. Schwartz and S.M. Schwartz, N.R. Vreden. After the death of Bunin, Aldanov participated in various literary events dedicated to his memory. The paper researches the documents stored in the House-Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Moscow, in particular, fragments of letters, as well of Aldanov’s speech about Bunin and the text “Memories of Bunin”, which is published. The facts described can be used to compile a detailed chronicle of the life and work of Bunin in the 1940–1950s.