Abstract

[Pis'ma A.E. Parnisa k N.S. Travushkinu. 1970-1984 gg.] Velimir Khlebnikov’s name was long forgotten. It took a great effort of some people, faithful to Khlebnikov's precept to “sow the eyes”, for a series of events to take place, contributing to the official recognition of the poet first in narrow and then in wide circles. A. E. Parnis, a Khlebnikov scholar of international renown, corresponded with Professor N. S. Travushkin of the Astrakhan Pedagogical Institute for more than ten years. Letters sent from Moscow and Kiev to Astrakhan from 1970 to 1984 are evidence of the way in which A. E. Parnis explored the topic “Khlebnikov and Astrakhan”. In addition to discovering and attributing several texts of the head of the Futurians, especially in the newspaper “Red Warrior”, and finding the true birthplace of the poet, A. E. Parnis is the mastermind behind the Khlebnikov readings in Astrakhan, which were first organized by N. S. Travushkin on his suggestion. Besides, A. E. Parnis found the poet’s relatives and established friendly relations with the descendants of the Khlebnikov family, drew the public’s attention to the need for a memorial plaque on the house where the Khlebnikovs lived, and for many years sought publications about Velimir in the Astrakhan press.