ALS signed “B. Pasternak,” one page, 8 x 10, May 5, 1959. Pasternak responds to a letter from the addressee stating that all reviewers of his book, Doctor Zhivago, had missed the point of the story. In full: "You are very right—opinions, statements, points of view and ideas are of secondary or no importance in the novel. Even the choice of the background, of the time and historical surrounding was of minor value for me and my narration. What I sought and pursued in the book while writing it, was to embody and to personify the astonishing, the undefinable (mysteriously making happy even in the sorrow) spirit of life (or perhaps the sense and feeling of courageous and humble lifeworship). And, of course, Lara is the most discernible note in this still and secret music. She is my friend, my darling. And allow me to greet you as one of her living sisters." In fine condition, with the handwriting quite light but entirely readable. Accompanied by a small unsigned press photo of the Russian author. Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958, one year after the publication of Doctor Zhivago, and his seminal novel is recognized as one of the great masterpieces of the 20th century.Format: ALS