Joseph Brodsky correspondence, 1965-1972

Scope and Content Note

The correspondence of Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996) spans the years 1965-1972 and consists of twenty holograph, signed letters, cards, and telegrams, some containing unpublished verses and drawings, from the former poet laureate. This early correspondence is addressed to Kira Fedorovna Samosiuk, an intimate friend of the poet, and while written largely in Russian, also contains an early attempt at verse in English and an unpublished poem in Polish. The letters reflect on a close and important relationship from the poet's early years as well as document broader aspects of Soviet life.