![BULGAKOV, Mikhail Afanas'evich (1891-1940). 'Master i Margarita' [The Master and Margarita], extracted from Moskva no. 11 (1966) and no. 1 (1967). Moscow: Moskva, 1966-1967.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_17162_0129_001(bulgakov_mikhail_afanasevich_master_i_margarita_the_master_and_margari110043).jpg?w=1)
![BULGAKOV, Mikhail Afanas'evich (1891-1940). 'Master i Margarita' [The Master and Margarita], extracted from Moskva no. 11 (1966) and no. 1 (1967). Moscow: Moskva, 1966-1967.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_17162_0129_000(bulgakov_mikhail_afanasevich_master_i_margarita_the_master_and_margari110035).jpg?w=1)
Details
BULGAKOV, Mikhail Afanas'evich (1891-1940). 'Master i Margarita' [The Master and Margarita], extracted from Moskva no. 11 (1966) and no. 1 (1967). Moscow: Moskva, 1966-1967.
The first appearance of any part of this masterpiece of 20th-century literature, with contemporary samizdat typescript inserts restoring the censored text. This rare survival is a remarkable reminder of Russian readers' refusal to submit, and the risks that they willingly embraced to keep the flame of subversive thought burning in the face of repression. Bulgakov's explosive critique of Soviet society could only be published long after his death, after Khrushchev's denunciation of Stalin, and the relaxation of state control that followed had taken root. Even so, more than 10% of the text was censored for this first publication. A contemporary reader has restored much of that censored text with samizdat typescript inserts, including nine pages to complete 'Nikanor's Dream' (chapter 15), one of the most celebrated chapters in the book, in which Bulgakov attacks the persecution of dissidents and the rampant corruption and misguided policies of the Soviet state. The text from such samizdat inserts was used for the 1969 Frankfurt edition, the first to publish the uncensored text. RBH and ABPC record no copy with samizdat inserts having been offered at auction.
Two parts in one volume, octavo (258 x 165mm). With c.12pp. of carbon typescript tipped-in and inserted by a contemporary reader (margins lightly yellowed; some of the inserts with wear in the margins). Contemporary paper wrappers (extremities rubbed; spine sunned).
The first appearance of any part of this masterpiece of 20th-century literature, with contemporary samizdat typescript inserts restoring the censored text. This rare survival is a remarkable reminder of Russian readers' refusal to submit, and the risks that they willingly embraced to keep the flame of subversive thought burning in the face of repression. Bulgakov's explosive critique of Soviet society could only be published long after his death, after Khrushchev's denunciation of Stalin, and the relaxation of state control that followed had taken root. Even so, more than 10% of the text was censored for this first publication. A contemporary reader has restored much of that censored text with samizdat typescript inserts, including nine pages to complete 'Nikanor's Dream' (chapter 15), one of the most celebrated chapters in the book, in which Bulgakov attacks the persecution of dissidents and the rampant corruption and misguided policies of the Soviet state. The text from such samizdat inserts was used for the 1969 Frankfurt edition, the first to publish the uncensored text. RBH and ABPC record no copy with samizdat inserts having been offered at auction.
Two parts in one volume, octavo (258 x 165mm). With c.12pp. of carbon typescript tipped-in and inserted by a contemporary reader (margins lightly yellowed; some of the inserts with wear in the margins). Contemporary paper wrappers (extremities rubbed; spine sunned).
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