Hereditas Antikvárium

17. árverés – Miscellanea ex libris Borda Lajos

The two poets first met around 1946, at the time of the founding of Újhold, but their friendship only developed a decade later. From then on, however, they maintained a close and enduring relationship. Rubin later recalled: “I can say that from October 1956 onwards, for two and a half decades, I was Pilinszky’s most trusted and intimate friend. It is no coincidence that I use the words ‘confidential’ and ‘intimate’. Pilinszky may have had more valuable relationships during this time—intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally—but he spent most of his time with me, or rather, I should say, I spent most of my time with him” (Vigilia, November 2011).
Letter. The opening is strikingly personal: “I would love to get to know you, in an indescribable and enchanting way.” He invites the addressee to Béni Ferenczy’s exhibition, which also featured a sculpture modelled on Pilinszky. In the collected correspondence this piece appears with the addressee listed as unknown.
2 written pages. Undated.
Picture postcard. Reports on his mother’s health and the completion of his book Harmadnapon (On the Third Day). Not included in the collected letters. Published in Jelenkor, 2021/3.
Dated: (Szigliget), December 4, 1958.
Postcard. Not included in the collected letters. Published in Jelenkor, 2021/3.
Dated: Balatonszepezd, 1960.
Letter. Mentions Mari Törőcsik, responds to Rubin’s concerns about a new job opportunity, and discusses his travels. Included in the collected letters.
2 written pages. Handwritten envelope enclosed. Postmark: Paris, July 14, 1970.
Letter. Writes about everyday matters, including his accident: “I fell asleep in my armchair and fell out of it, turning it upside down. Nerve damage!” Included in the collected letters.
2 written pages. Dated: (Sopron), August 7, 1977.