Journal

Abstract

Dined with the Stravinskys and Robert Craft. Stravinsky seemed in very good form, talking a great deal — much about the Soviet edition of the works of Chekhov. He said how stupidly this was edited: e.g., in a stage direction, it says that a character wears pince nez. A note explains: ‘Pince nez, a French expression.’ I.S. pointed out anyone could tell it was French. If a note were required it should be to explain what a pince nez is—such spectacles being unknown in the Soviet Union. He said that the Soviets had a very selected and edited conception of Chekhov.