1922

TO THE SECRETARIAT OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
March 29, 1922
I earnestly request that Skvortsov-Stepanov be given a rest and that the
Moscow Committee be instructed not to involve him in work (I am attaching a note), as he
absolutely needs rest.*
With communist greetings,
V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

ON THE PUBLICATION OF A COLLECTION OF SELECTED LETTERS
OF K. MARX AND F. ENGELS

NOTES ON A LETTER FROM V. V. ADORATSKY
Between April 6–10, 1922

Dear Vladimir Ilyich, I would very much like to move forward and bring to
completion the original plan—namely, to compile a collection of "Selected Letters of Marx and En-
gels on Questions of Theory and Politics." I have more confidence now, as I have a better
grasp of the subject...

I would like to see you and discuss some doubts. If that is
possible, call me, I am always at the Central Archive, Vagankovsky 8, telephone numbers either 1–78–38 or
1– 75–8ь.
44424
It would be good if you wrote me a little paper saying that I am entrusted with carrying out
this work and that the Socialist Academy should assist me in my studies there.
If I could devote about 4 hours each morning to work at the Socialist Academy, I
would prepare everything for printing in two months. I do not
quite understand what it means to transfer "care" of the letters... If it means to give
me a tap on the head so that I don't forget about them, then
that is not necessary—I remember well. But if it means assistance, consultation, help—that would be very good.
I would be very glad to have the opportunity to consult with someone.
But I would like your final review and sanction...

Vladimir
Viktorovich Adoratsky
He wrote.

Sometimes it's also useful!

I'm afraid that I won't be able to.

* The document bears the resolution of V. M. Molotov: "For.—Molotov".

In general terms, the plan for the book has been out- lined. I would like to agree on it finally.
The order of printing is chronological. Some letters, such as the letter to Annenkov,
in their entirety, some—only excerpts.

Select material relating to theory:
philosophy, economic theory, historical theory, on revolution, on the class struggle, notes
of a historical nature; to politics: the prole- tariat and other classes, the labor movement in vari-
ous countries, an evaluation of political figures, petty-bourgeois democracy.

Should we limit ourselves to theory and poli- tics only, or devote some space to letters that shed
light on Marx's life, that are of interest to his biography. I don't think that's necessary.

In the introductory article, briefly cover all questions and indicate the most important places in the letters that relate
to them.

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CORRECTION TO THE TRANSLATION OF K. MARX'S LETTER TO F. ENGELS
OF DECEMBER 2, 1866, ABOUT THE HISTORY OF PRUSSIA*
April 1922

What do you say about Neufchâtel and Valangin? This case gave me
an opportunity to fill in my very weak know- ledge of Prussian history. Indeed
and indeed, never has world history produced anything more
insignificant (etwas Lausigeres — literally, more lousy). A detailed
history of how the French kings, who were only so in name, became
kings in reality, this history is also full of petty battles, treach-
ery, intrigues. But this is the history of the rise of a nation. Austrian history,
of how a vassal of the German empire establishes power by his
Correct!

Me too.

Lenin

To the letters—notes, in order to make them under- standable.

* The translation was made by V. V. Adoratsky.