Bolesław Leśmian’s lost drama Vasilij Buslaev: more than just a bibliographical problem

ABSTRACT. The complex and mysterious story of Bolesław Leśmian’s drama Vasilij Buslaev has led some scholars to doubt the very existence of the piece. The correspondence of Maksim Gor’kij may help to solve the mystery. The authoritative Russian writer acted as a reviewer when the decision to accept or reject this play for print was to be taken. Once Gor’kij had read the manuscript, the piece was returned to the author, who was informed that it would not be published. Unfortunately, its fate thereafter remains unknown.