Manuscript Letter
Kilburn, N. W. August 11,, 1898. Exellent content from one of the most active minds of turn-of-the-century Britain. Israel Zingwell (1864 - 1926) expounds on Tolstoy's "What is Art" which was first published in English in 1898, the same year as this letter. He chastises Tolystoy's "christianise" of art and reflects on his own writings on the subject. Zingwill was one of the leading early thinkers and writers on Zionism and the territorial movement for Jews. Fine, 2 pp., 9" x 7", folded, letter on first and last page. Item #3361
"I had already studied Tolstoy’s “What is Art?” - a subject on which I have myself published several articles. I have always regarded the work of art as a telephone between artist and audience, and so far have an unconsciously agreed with Tolstoy... Tolstoy in fact in his noble but desperate effort to Chistianise life has been forced to try to christianise art. But art is larger than any creed, ...which appears only designed for the pleasure of the leisurely though in reality all who can may taste of it. Art is short, already unites those who are able to be united,..In real life we should find that that is what is not-art" /s/ I Zingwill.
Price: $775.00