Kuprin and Moscow Publishing House: History of Cooperation

Based on unpublished archival materials and pieces from printed memoir, epistolary sources, the article restores a comprehensive picture of A. I. Kuprin’s cooperation in a popular publishing enterprise at the beginning of the 20th century – Moscow Publishing House. The article analyses business and personal relationships between Kuprin and Moscow Publishing House staff members: G. G. Blumenberg, the owner and the editor of the literary digests Zemlya (20 books, issued by Moscow Publishing House from 1908 to 1917); brothers N. S. and V. S. Klyostovs, representatives of Moscow Publishing House; I. A. Bunin, the editor of the first two Zemlya’s books. The article follows the history of Kuprin’s art works publications (Sulamith, Yama: The Pit, The Garnet Bracelet) in the literary digest Zemlya. The article determines the leading role of Kuprin in literary digests Zemlya: the Publishing House’s owners and staff inevitably made compromises while arguing with the writer, tolerated manuscripts delays, sought the cooperation of certain authors to please Kuprin. The article gives an overview of relationships (sometimes tough) between Kuprin and the authors of Zemlya’s almanac: rivalry with L. N. Andreyev, patronizing tone towards M. P. Artsybashev, support and protection of F. K. Sologub, friendly terms with S. S. Yushkevich. 
 