Correspondence between Leo Tolstoy and Nikolay Nekrasov: on the correspondents’ first and significant misunderstanding

Abstract

The article deals with the correspondence of Leo Tolstoy and Nikolay Nekrasov with special attention paid to the first arguments and misunderstandings that had arisen between the correspondents mainly due to the difference in their literary experience, and attitude to the publishing process. Consistently analysing the messages of Leo Tolstoy and Nikolay Nekrasov, that had been written by them even before they met personally, the author of the article states that, despite the recognition of the of the new young magazine author’s talent, the editor-in-chief at first treated him not only quite calmly, but allowed himself too easy and somewhat indifferent attitude. The precedent of Nikolay Nekrasov’s inattention is the fact that for a long time the issue of the magazine with his first work was not sent to Leo Tolstoy. The article discusses the correspondents’ misunderstanding associated with possible reductions, changes and additions made not only by the editors of the journal, but also by the censors.