![SUMAROKOV, Aleksandr Petrovich (1717-1777). Pritchi. Kn.1-3. [Fables. Books 1-3.] St Petersburg: [at the Press of the Academy of Sciences] 1762, 1762, 1769.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_17162_0002_000(sumarokov_aleksandr_petrovich_pritchi_kn1-3_fables_books_1-3_st_peters103511).jpg?w=1)
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SUMAROKOV, Aleksandr Petrovich (1717-1777). Pritchi. Kn.1-3. [Fables. Books 1-3.] St Petersburg: [at the Press of the Academy of Sciences] 1762, 1762, 1769.
The rare first edition of Sumarokov's fables, complete in three volumes. The Petrovskii copy. Sumarokov's fables 'are the first attempt in a genre that was destined to flourish in Russia with particular vigor' (Mirsky, p.47). RBH and ABPC record no copy having been offered at auction. Sumarokov was 'the father of the Russian literary profession' (idem); in his own lifetime he was known especially for his plays – these earned him the epithet 'Racine of the North'. Catherine II was his patron and personal censor for much of his career, giving Sumarokov a certain freedom, especially from academic constraints. The Petrovskiis, father and son, built one of the most valuable collections on the history, language and culture of Slavic peoples. Because the third volume was published several years after the others, complete sets are rarely found. Kilgour 1136; SK 7026; Smirnov-Sokol'skii, Moia biblioteka, 256; Sopikov 9053.
Three volumes bound in one, octavo (180 x 110mm). Woodcut title vignettes and headpieces (some staining and press-marks on the first title; occasional light marginal soiling). Contemporary Russian half calf, flat spine blind-tooled in compartments, red morocco label (spine caps and label chipped; extremities rubbed; lacking the rear free endpaper). Provenance: V.L. Nekrasov (label) – Memnon Petrovich and Nestor Memnovich Petrovskii (1833-1912 [M.P.] and 1875-1921 [N.M.]; stamp and press-marks on the title) – Staraia kniga Lenkniga, booksellers (label and small stamps).
The rare first edition of Sumarokov's fables, complete in three volumes. The Petrovskii copy. Sumarokov's fables 'are the first attempt in a genre that was destined to flourish in Russia with particular vigor' (Mirsky, p.47). RBH and ABPC record no copy having been offered at auction. Sumarokov was 'the father of the Russian literary profession' (idem); in his own lifetime he was known especially for his plays – these earned him the epithet 'Racine of the North'. Catherine II was his patron and personal censor for much of his career, giving Sumarokov a certain freedom, especially from academic constraints. The Petrovskiis, father and son, built one of the most valuable collections on the history, language and culture of Slavic peoples. Because the third volume was published several years after the others, complete sets are rarely found. Kilgour 1136; SK 7026; Smirnov-Sokol'skii, Moia biblioteka, 256; Sopikov 9053.
Three volumes bound in one, octavo (180 x 110mm). Woodcut title vignettes and headpieces (some staining and press-marks on the first title; occasional light marginal soiling). Contemporary Russian half calf, flat spine blind-tooled in compartments, red morocco label (spine caps and label chipped; extremities rubbed; lacking the rear free endpaper). Provenance: V.L. Nekrasov (label) – Memnon Petrovich and Nestor Memnovich Petrovskii (1833-1912 [M.P.] and 1875-1921 [N.M.]; stamp and press-marks on the title) – Staraia kniga Lenkniga, booksellers (label and small stamps).
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