V. I.

Lenin

278

To:   Y. A. LITKENS

May 19

Take advantage of Pokrovsky’s holiday to begin work on the compiling of a dictionary of the Russian language
without burdening him with administrative functions.

(1) Appoint a committee of 3–5 of the best philologists.
They should within two weeks draw up a plan and the composition of the final committee (to
[define] [1] the work, its nature, time limits, etc.).

(2) The task is a brief dictionary of the Russian language, from Pushkin to Gorky (the small “Larousse”
as a model). Model, arid contemporary. With the new orthography.

(3) On the basis of their report (of the 3–5), some scientific academic centre must endorse the plan. Then we shall
begin by the autumn.