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Note from I. V. Stalin to Pravda Editor-in-Chief L. Z. Mekhlis on D. Bedny's fable “Struggle or Die” (“Boris’ ili umirai”)

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By Dzhugashvili, Iosif Vissarionovich (Stalin)

Soviet Culture and Power: A History in Documents, 1917-1953

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Document 109

Note from I. V. Stalin to Pravda Editor-in-Chief L. Z. Mekhlis on D. Bedny's fable “Struggle or Die” (“Boris' ili umirai”). RGASPI, f. 71, op. 10, d. 130, l. 100. Copy. Typewritten.

20 July 1937

Com. Mekhlis!

To your inquiry about Demian's fable “Struggle or Die,” I'm replying in a letter addressed to Demian, which you can read to him.

To our newly appeared Dante, i.e., Conrad, that is to say … Demian Bedny.

Your fable or long poem, “Struggle or Die,” in my opinion, is an artistically mediocre critique. As a criticism of fascism, it is pale and unoriginal. As a criticism of the Soviet order (don't joke!), it is stupid, albeit transparent.

Since we (Soviet people) have no shortage of literary rubbish as it is, it is hardly worthwhile to multiply the deposits of this type of literature with yet another fable, so to speak….

I realize, of course, that I must beg Demian-Dante's pardon for the necessary candor.

Respectfully, I. Stalin

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Document Details

Document TitleNote from I. V. Stalin to Pravda Editor-in-Chief L. Z. Mekhlis on D. Bedny's fable “Struggle or Die” (“Boris’ ili umirai”)

AuthorDzhugashvili, Iosif Vissarionovich (Stalin)

RecipientMekhlis, Lev Zakharovich

RepositoryRGASPI

ID #f.71, op.10, d.130, l.100

DescriptionN/A

Date1937 Jul 20

AOC VolumeSoviet Culture and Power: A History in Documents, 1917-1953

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