Viktor Gorenko Papers, 1890s-1990s
Collection context
- Creator:
- Gorenko, Viktor Andreevich
- Abstract:
- The papers are comprised of documents, photographs, correspondence and an audio recording relating to the life of Viktor Gorenko and the literary legacy of his elder sister, Anna Akhmatova (1889-1966). They document the life in emigration of Viktor Gorenko and his naturalization as a US citizen.
- Extent:
- .42 linear feet (1 document box)
- Language:
- English , Russian .
- Scope and content:
-
The bulk of the collection consists of documents detailing the emigration and naturalization of Viktor Gorenko. These include a Chinese-issued stateless person passport, letters of reference and employment, and affidavits of support. A large part of the collection consists of newspaper clippings concerning Anna Akhmatova, including obituaries and reviews of translations of her work into English.
The correspondence from Akhmatova herself is limited to brief affectionate notes on the reverse of photographs and empty envelopes addressed to Gorenko. Other correspondence includes a postcard from Lev Nikolaevich Gumilev (Akhmatova's son), a letter from Andrei Andreevich Gorenko (nephew of Viktor Gorenko and Akhmatova) and letters from American academics to Gorenko's widow Catherine.
For preservation purposes, the items in this collection have been placed in plastic document holders and acid-free paper.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Viktor Andreevich Gorenko was born on September 29, 1896, to a Russian noble family. His elder sister was the poet Anna Akhmatova (nee Gorenko). Gorenko graduated from the Naval Cadet Corps in Petrograd in July 1916 and served in the Russian Imperial Black Sea Fleet until the October 1917 Revolution. He fled to the Russian Far East and then to Shanghai, China, where he remained until 1946. Gorenko was admitted to the United States on a 45-day visa in January, 1947. When deportation proceedings were opened against him the following year, he presented a number of documents attesting to his hardworking character and anti-communist sentiments in his defense. Gorenko became a naturalized US citizen in 1959. He received at least two letters from Akhmatova in Leningrad, as well as signed photographs of the author, in the early 1960s. Viktor Gorenko died in New York on February 4, 1976.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish material from the collection must be requested from the Chair of the Bakhmeteff Committee. The RBML approves permission to publish that which it physically owns; the responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Viktor Gorenko Papers; Box and Folder; Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu