050. Hermann Langbein a Primo Levi, 18 marzo 1976

Vienna, 18 marzo 1976

Dott.
Primo Levi
Corso Re Umberto 75
Torino

Caro Amico,

dopo i numerosi e vani tentativi di parlare finalmente di nuovo con te, ora ho una nuova speranza: Paride Piasenti mi ha scritto che dovresti venire anche tu al convegno di Riva dell’8 maggio sui problemi storici contemporanei del “monde concentrationnaire”, al quale sono stato invitato. Spero che tu abbia tempo e che potremo parlare a lungo a margine di questo convegno.[1]

In allegato ti invio la traduzione in francese dell’ultimo comunicato del nostro Comitato;[2] forse ti interesserà.

L’edizione francese del mio libro – che s’intitolerà Hommes et femmes à Auschwitz – sta andando meglio del previsto. Di conseguenza, l’editore Fayard ha già chiesto un’opzione per il mio prossimo libro sulla resistenza nei campi di concentramento. Procedo, però, molto a rilento: primo perché sono proprio lento a lavorare e sono stato per giunta interrotto più volte da piccoli acciacchi,[3] e poi perché l’abbondanza di materiale (in aumento man mano che la ricerca procede) e le ulteriori ricerche dovute alle contraddizioni che vi riscontro chiedono davvero molto tempo.

Con i miei saluti più cari e nella speranza di sentirti dire che verrai a Riva, come sempre

Tuo

Hermann

Vienna, March 18, 1976

Mr.
Primo Levi
Corso Re Umberto 75
Torino

Caro Amico,

After my many unsuccessful attempts to finally speak with you again, I now have a new hope: Paride Piasenti wrote to say that you will also be at the conference I have been invited to in Riva on May 8, on the contemporary historical problems of the “monde concentrationnaire.” I hope that you will have the time and that we can talk in depth on the sidelines of this conference.[1]

I am also enclosing a French translation of the last mailing from our Commitee;[2] perhaps it might be of interest.

The French edition of my book—titled Hommes et femmes à Auschwitz—is selling surprisingly well. This has led Fayard to option my next work, about resistance in the concentration camps. However, I am only making very slow progress with it: firstly, I work quite slowly and have been repeatedly interrupted by minor illnesses;[3] but the sheer abundance of material (the more one researches, the more one finds) and the contradictions in it, which require further research, also take a lot of time.

I send my warmest greetings, hope to hear that you’re coming to Riva as well, and remain, as ever,

Yours,

Hermann

Wien, den 18. März 1976

Dott.
Primo Levi
Corso Re Umberto 75
Torino

Caro Amico,

Nach den vielen vergeblichen Versuchen, Dich endlich wieder einmal zu sprechen, habe ich nun eine neue Hoffnung: Paride Piasenti schrieb mir, dass zu der Tagung in Riva, auf der am 8. 5. über zeitgeschichtliche Probleme der „monde concentrationnaire“, zu der ich eingeladen wurde, auch Du kommen sollst. Hoffentlich hast Du Zeit und wir können uns am Rand dieser Konferenz ausführlich sprechen.[1]

Beiliegend sende ich Dir die französische Übersetzung der letzten Aussendung unseres Comités;[2] vielleicht hast Du dafür Interesse.

Die französische Ausgabe meines Buches – ihr Titel ist dort Hommes et femmes à Auschwitz verkauft sich überraschend gut. Das hat dazu geführt, dass der Verlag Fayard bereits um eine Option meiner nächsten Arbeit über den Widerstand in den KZ’s ersucht hat. Mit dieser komme ich allerdings nur sehr langsam vorwärts; erstens arbeite ich recht langsam und war mehrmals durch kleine Krankheiten[3] unterbrochen, aber auch die Fülle des Materials (es wird Immer mehr, je weiter man forscht) und die Widersprüche darin, die neuerliche Recherchen erfordern, brauchen viel Zeit.

Mit recht herzlichen Grüssen und in der Hoffnung, von Dir zu hören, dass Du nach Riva kommst, bleibe ich wie immer

Dein

Hermann

Vienna, March 18, 1976

Mr.
Primo Levi
Corso Re Umberto 75
Torino

Caro Amico,

After my many unsuccessful attempts to finally speak with you again, I now have a new hope: Paride Piasenti wrote to say that you will also be at the conference I have been invited to in Riva on May 8, on the contemporary historical problems of the “monde concentrationnaire.” I hope that you will have the time and that we can talk in depth on the sidelines of this conference.[1]

I am also enclosing a French translation of the last mailing from our Commitee;[2] perhaps it might be of interest.

The French edition of my book—titled Hommes et femmes à Auschwitz—is selling surprisingly well. This has led Fayard to option my next work, about resistance in the concentration camps. However, I am only making very slow progress with it: firstly, I work quite slowly and have been repeatedly interrupted by minor illnesses;[3] but the sheer abundance of material (the more one researches, the more one finds) and the contradictions in it, which require further research, also take a lot of time.

I send my warmest greetings, hope to hear that you’re coming to Riva as well, and remain, as ever,

Yours,

Hermann