p Y. LUKIN

p One of the photographs in this book shows Mikhail Sholokhov at his desk, looking through some of the correspondence that takes up quite a big part of his working day. From all parts of the USSR sacks of mail arrive at the village of Veshenskaya on the Don, where the writer lives. People write to him for advice or help in matters ranging from deeply personal concerns to problems of state significance. Many want to confide their thoughts to him, and tell him about themselves as they would to a wiser, older friend. Young people write to him, budding authors, too.

p Much of Sholokhov’s correspondence is of a purely business character. The mail brings him proof-sheets to read of collections of his early stories; a film-studio asks him to set the date for showing a new picture, based on one of his stories, in Veshenskaya; a theatre wants his counsel on a stage adaptation of his book.

Letters and telegrams arrive from publishers and organisations abroad, inquiring if Sholokhov is planning another of the journeys that have proved so useful in furthering fruitful cultural exchange and improving mutual understanding between nations.