![BENOIS, Alexandre (1870-1960) and CHUKOVSKII, Kornei (editors). Elka. [The New Year Tree.] St. Petersburg: Parus [1918]. Small 2° (285 x 218mm). Illustrated throughout, sometimes in colour, one mounted plate after Repin. Original illustrated boards after Lebedev, printed endpapers (light wear at the spine including chipped headcap, corners lightly rubbed, light soiling). Provenance: Russian bookseller (small stamp).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2010/CSK/2010_CSK_05476_0289_000(benois_alexandre_and_chukovskii_kornei_elka_the_new_year_tree_st_peter043837).jpg?w=1)
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BENOIS, Alexandre (1870-1960) and CHUKOVSKII, Kornei (editors). Elka. [The New Year Tree.] St. Petersburg: Parus [1918]. Small 2° (285 x 218mm). Illustrated throughout, sometimes in colour, one mounted plate after Repin. Original illustrated boards after Lebedev, printed endpapers (light wear at the spine including chipped headcap, corners lightly rubbed, light soiling). Provenance: Russian bookseller (small stamp).
FIRST EDITION. AN EXCELLENT COPY and rare in this condition. This fine publication with contributions from Maxim Gor'kii, Mstislav Dobuzhinskii, Sasha Chernii, Iurii Annenkov, Il'ia Repin, Vladimir Lebedev and others, was originally intended for publication in Spring 1917 with the title The Rainbow, but was delayed until January 1918 when it was issued with a more appropriate title. It is sometimes described as the first Soviet children's book; but because it was largely prepared before History intervened, it is perhaps better thought of as the last pre-revolutionary children's book. Rats Collection 62 & pl.133.
FIRST EDITION. AN EXCELLENT COPY and rare in this condition. This fine publication with contributions from Maxim Gor'kii, Mstislav Dobuzhinskii, Sasha Chernii, Iurii Annenkov, Il'ia Repin, Vladimir Lebedev and others, was originally intended for publication in Spring 1917 with the title The Rainbow, but was delayed until January 1918 when it was issued with a more appropriate title. It is sometimes described as the first Soviet children's book; but because it was largely prepared before History intervened, it is perhaps better thought of as the last pre-revolutionary children's book. Rats Collection 62 & pl.133.