Lot 403
Lenin (Vladimir Illich Ulyanov) (1870-1924) Russian revolutionary, founder of Bolshevism, and the moving force behind the October Revolution (1917). Autograph Letter, 2pp, in Russian, 6¾ x 4¼ in., n.p., c. Aug. 1915. Being a draft to an unknown correspondent, discussing preparations for the Zimmerwald conference, an international socialist conference which took place in Zimmerwald, Switzerland, September 5-8, 1915, and was attended by some 38 delegates from twelve European countries. Lenin represented the revolutionary socialists (communists) and Robert Grimm led the centrist-leaning (social democrats) socialists.
Lenin criticized the pacifist tone of the Manifesto and the absence of means for opposing World War I. A few of Lenin's comments are: "[the manifesto]…is weak, almost 'Trotskyite.' It contains no word about the fight against 'chauvinism'….or opportunism….so we have a battle on our hands,….we should get 4 votes: Norway, Sweden, …., and possibly the Poles and the Dutch."
Due to his participation in the conference, Lenin gained an international group of contacts and his writings became more widely known in various languages. This is an important document laying the foundation for revolution and the establishment of the Communist Party.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
Deaccessioned from the Museum of World Treasures, Wichita, Kansas.
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| Realized $14,688 |
