William Alexander Gerhardie

"Futility" is astounding, funny, and enchanting novel which mixes eccentric Russian sensibilities with eccentric British brains, both richly possessed by its author William Gerhardie (1895-1977). The novel's narrator, Andrei Andreiech, an Englishmen of Russian upbringing, recounts his entanglements with the Bursanov family and his love for Nina, the second of three of three beautiful sisters. The Revolution destroys the family fortunes, but Nina's father still pins his hopes on his Northern goldmines, gathering dependents who trail him even to Siberia. Andrei also waits, hoping his love for Nina will bring happiness. It is Gerhardie's vivacity and lightness of tone in conducting these meaningful yet ludicrous tragedies of disappointment that marks "Futility" as one of the great neglected novels of the twentieth century.

Futility

Doom

A Novel

The Polyglots

Refusing to send him a copy of his book; saying "No hints or innuendos from you will produce any free copies from me. I don't see why I should both write my books and pay for them. I have ceased to distribute free copies even to relations. One day when you are a successful author you will be surprised to find how poor you are. I have no doubt that you are as good as you say. If you read of the paucity of great writers, which is the standing complaint of all contemporary critics, you will be cheered by the reflection of how much room there is at the top, however the profession may seem to be overcrowded in the middle and at the bottom. I hope you will have all the success you wish : but I will not share my few commissions, nor part with any of my first editions."

Letter from William Gerhardie, London, to Kenneth L. Dickman, 1931 September 15

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William Alexander Gerhardie

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