Russian physicist (1857–1935) who pioneered the study of rocketry and cosmonautics and whose discoveries were of crucial importance in the development of manned space travel. ALS in Russian, signed “Tsiolkovsky,” one page both sides, 7 x 10.75, February 17, 1935. Letter to Victor Aleksandrovich Sytin. In part (translated): “Thank you for your sympathy! The three little ones… went down with scarlet fever. One (like an angel) had died… my mood (except for the logic) is terrible…Until we can have a discussion in person, let's leave everything without any changes, adding just a list of works. Quite a few of them have accumulated now, and it is necessary to put together a special list. Of course, the article Light and Shadows cannot be printed (as well as the one that has not been finished: The Shadows)… I expect questions, but cannot answer all of them. Won't you please find… someone to comment on the attached typescript? Has the first volume of my selected works come out (in an integral form) yet?… Paper of the Conference on Stratosphere Research is being printed now. (70 printer's sheets.) It contains one of my works on stratosphere. Will those papers be sent out to the participants and authors?” Central horizontal and vertical fold, uniform toning, and all writing a shade or two light, but completely legible, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified Scott Cornish and RR Auction COA.
