Aesthetic and Artistic Interactions Between Stefan Zweig and Maxim Gorky: Publication History of Short Story “The Moonlight Alley” in “Beseda” (Berlin)

This study examines the publication history of Stefan Zweig's short story “The Moonlight Alley” in Maxim Gorky's Berlin journal “Beseda” (No. 3, 1923) within a comparative framework. It is noted that Gorky recognized the “thematic similarities” between Zweig's narrative and his own work “A Tale of Unrequited Love,” insisting on featuring both pieces in the same issue of “Beseda.” The aim of this research is to analyze this editorial and publishing episode, highlighting its significance in the context of the artistic methods and poetics shared by both writers. The study draws on the texts of Gorky and Zweig, as well as their correspondence. Additionally, Gorky's earlier text “Makar Chudra” is included for comparison. By considering Gorky's creative worldview, the author reveals new dimensions of similarity in the poetics of Gorky and Zweig. It is argued that Gorky's decision to publish Zweig's story in his journal was closely related to the distinctive portrayals of love by both authors, their shared psychological traits, common artistic poetics, and aligned philosophical perspectives.