DL/A-Z//BORO - [Correspondence with Vitya Borovsky]

DL/A-Z//BORO

File

[Correspondence with Vitya Borovsky]

08/02/1983-12/02/1986

11 Letters (typescript and MS)
1 Notes (MS)

Chaliapin, Feodor
Shawe-Taylor, Desmond
McVeagh, Diana
J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd
Gottlieb, Robert
Knopf, Alfred A.,
Society of Authors

Borovsky, Vitya

001 is a 1983 letter from Diana McVeagh to Doris Lessing [replying to a query made at Vitya Borovsky's request?]. She says she spoke to Desmond Shawe-Taylor about the possibility of "a little book" about Feodor Chaliapin, and he gave advice for research. Mentions Record Collector Magazine and the importance of finding an American publisher. Mentions an unfavourable psychiatrist's opinion of Lessing's Briefing for a Descent into Hell: "I thought that would please you".

002 is a letter from Lessing to Borovsky reporting the content of McVeagh's letter.

003 is a 1985 letter from Lessing to Borovsky. She states that she cannot advise Borovsky about "the musical world" but that she is unhappy with his treatment by the publishers of his biography of Chaliapin. She advises him about finding a sponsor or some other form of funding, and suggests he look for an American publisher.

004 is a letter from Borovsky to Lessing. He complains about his publishers J.M. Dent & Sons and describes their inaction in quite humorous detail, comparing their office to a cemetery. He states that they have failed to help him gain access to the archives of EMI Music Publishing, who own recordings of Chaliapin.

005 is an unsigned note by Doris Lessing. It states: "Letter 28.8.85. What kind of book? He rang (30.8.85) to say he is "a friend of Desmond Shawe-Taylor"!"

006 is a letter from Lessing to Malcolm Gerratt of J.M. Dent & Sons. She explains that she has been approached by Borovsky for help, because he does not have the money necessary to complete the research for his biography. She offers to put Gerratt in contact with Bob Gottlieb of Alfred A. Knopf as a potential American publisher.

007 is a letter from Gerratt to Lessing, stating that he would be happy for Lessing to contact Gottlieb.

008 is a letter from Borovsky to Lessing. He states that he has completed three chapters of the book but still needs to travel extensively to complete his research. He asks whether she could suggest any organisations that might sponsor such research.

009 is a letter from Lessing to Gottlieb: "I have a tale to unfold..." She explains the situation of Borovsky's book and publishers. She characterises Borovsky quite poetically: "probably the most abrasive personality one can meet, but that is probably only because he is a Star fallen into the mud of the decadent West". She asks for Gottlieb's assistance.

010 is a letter from Borovsky to Lessing. He states that Gottlieb has telephoned and left the message that he wanted to proceed with publishing his biography.

010 is a letter from Borovksy to Lessing. He attaches a photocopy of Gottlieb's letter to him, offering publication in America and stating his terms, which include that Alfred A. Knopf edit and produce their own edition [creating a possible conflict with J.M Dent & Sons]. Borovsky asks for help dealing with Dent.

011 is a letter from Lessing to Borovsky, stating that she has contacted the Society of Authors on his behalf and sponsored his membership. She advises he take his problem to them.