036. Primo Levi a Hermann Langbein, 19 novembre 1972

19/11/1972

Caro amico,

al contrario di quanto ti avevo promesso, non ho ancora avuto il tempo di finire il tuo libro: ultimamente il lavoro in fabbrica è diventato frenetico e mi lascia ben poco tempo libero: viaggio, lavoro e mi arrabbio.

Ti consiglio perciò di mandare una seconda copia a Einaudi, all’attenzione di Daniele Ponchiroli,[1] documentando le traduzioni in corso, le recensioni ecc.: naturalmente mi terrò in contatto con lui per condurre la vicenda a buon fine.

A proposito: ricordi l’episodio che ho raccontato nel mio libro («L’ultimo», pagina 151):[2] hai raccolto altre testimonianze? Conosci il nome dell’impiccato?

Ti stringo la mano con viva cordialità

Primo Levi

11/19/1972

Caro amico,

Despite what I promised you, I have not yet had the time to finish reading your book: lately my work at the factory has become hectic, and leaves me very little free time; I travel, work, and get angry.

For this reason I advise you to send to Einaudi, to the attention of Daniele Ponchiroli,[1] a second copy, with documentation of the translations that are underway, reviews etc.: naturally, I will stay in touch with him to wrap up the matter.

Incidentally: do you remember the episode I recounted in my book (“The Last One,” page 151):[2] have you collected other accounts? Do you know the name of the one who was hanged?

I warmly shake your hand

Primo Levi

19/11/1972

Caro amico,

contrairement à ce que je t’avais promis, je n’ai pas encore eu le temps de finir de lire ton livre: en ce temps mon travail à l’usine est devenu frénétique, et me laisse bien peu de temps libre; je voyage, travaille et m’enrage.

C’est pour cette raison que je te conseille d’envoyer à Einaudi, pour l’attention de Daniele Ponchiroli,[1] un seconde copie, avec documentation des traductions en cours, Buchbesprechungen etc.: naturellement, je me tiendrai en contact avec lui pour méner l’affaire à bon fin.

A propos: tu te rappelles l’épisode que j’ai racontée dans mon livre («Der Letzte», page 151):[2] as-tu récueilli d’autres témoignages? Connais tu le nom de celui qui a été pendu?

Je te serre bien cordialement la main

Primo Levi

11/19/1972

Caro amico,

Despite what I promised you, I have not yet had the time to finish reading your book: lately my work at the factory has become hectic, and leaves me very little free time; I travel, work, and get angry.

For this reason I advise you to send to Einaudi, to the attention of Daniele Ponchiroli,[1] a second copy, with documentation of the translations that are underway, reviews etc.: naturally, I will stay in touch with him to wrap up the matter.

Incidentally: do you remember the episode I recounted in my book (“The Last One,” page 151):[2] have you collected other accounts? Do you know the name of the one who was hanged?

I warmly shake your hand

Primo Levi