The Womenfolk

Reading notes

• To I. I. Gorbunov-Posadov, 4 September 1891. Moscow. §4 Kindly send "Vanka" and the proof of "The Womenfolk" to the above-written address.

  "The Womenfolk" (\emph{Baby}, "Бабы," 1891) is Chekhov's own recently written story, whose proof sheets he asks Gorbunov-Posadov to forward -- evidently Posrednik or a printer working with it was setting the story. "Vanka" in the same sentence is more likely a Posrednik booklet Chekhov is requesting a copy of than his own 1886 story of the same title, since the request is phrased identically to (and in the same breath as) the proof request; the source does not disambiguate, and the two "Vankas" -- Chekhov's tale and any Posrednik item bearing the name -- are not editorially resolved here.

• To I. I. Gorbunov-Posadov, 18 July 1891. Bogimovo. §5 You may print my "Womenfolk."

  "Womenfolk" (\emph{Бабы}, 1891) is Chekhov's own recently written story; this line is the explicit authorization for Posrednik to print it, in advance of the proof request later in the same letter.

• To I. I. Gorbunov-Posadov, 18 July 1891. Bogimovo. §6 send the proofs of "Womenfolk" too

  The proof sheets of "Womenfolk," evidently already in typesetting at Posrednik or an affiliated printer following the permission granted at section 5; Chekhov promises to read and return them without delay.