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![KRYLOV, Ivan Andreevich (1768-1844). Pochta dukhov [Chast’ I-II]. [The Spirits’ Mail. Parts I-II]. St Petersburg: [n.p], 1789 [-1790].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2019/CKS/2019_CKS_18441_0054_000(krylov_ivan_andreevich_pochta_dukhov_chast_i-ii_the_spirits_mail_parts_d6217148075043).jpg?w=1)
Details
KRYLOV, Ivan Andreevich (1768-1844). Pochta dukhov [Chast’ I-II]. [The Spirits’ Mail. Parts I-II]. St Petersburg: [n.p], 1789 [-1790].
The rare first edition of this satirical magazine. Influenced by the Oriental tale tradition, this fictional correspondence of 48 letters, with its bitter social commentary, takes place between the Arabian philosopher Malikulmuk and ‘marine, aerial and subterranean spirits’. In 1790, the magazine ceased publication due to the arrest and exile of the radical author and social critic A. Radishchev, an event which made Krylov’s publishing enterprise ‘very dangerous’ (Smirnov-Sokol’skii). Rare: RBH records no other copies being offered at auction. Kilgour 566 (Part I only); Smirnov-Sokol’skii 1945; CK 209. V. Terras, Handbook of Russian Literature, p. 236.
2 volumes, octavo (123 x 195mm). With the half-titles and list of subscribers (minimal spotting, occasional thumbing, vol. 1 possibly without 3 blanks, text continuous without lacunae, lower outer blank corner of two leaves torn, one leaf reinforced at gutter, small paper flaw to one leaf touching text). Contemporary Russian full mottled calf, patterned endpapers, spines tooled in blind, gilt-lettered labels (extremities and spines rubbed). Provenance: Ivan Reklichev (inscription on title and bookplate) - early shelfmark on front endleaf.
The rare first edition of this satirical magazine. Influenced by the Oriental tale tradition, this fictional correspondence of 48 letters, with its bitter social commentary, takes place between the Arabian philosopher Malikulmuk and ‘marine, aerial and subterranean spirits’. In 1790, the magazine ceased publication due to the arrest and exile of the radical author and social critic A. Radishchev, an event which made Krylov’s publishing enterprise ‘very dangerous’ (Smirnov-Sokol’skii). Rare: RBH records no other copies being offered at auction. Kilgour 566 (Part I only); Smirnov-Sokol’skii 1945; CK 209. V. Terras, Handbook of Russian Literature, p. 236.
2 volumes, octavo (123 x 195mm). With the half-titles and list of subscribers (minimal spotting, occasional thumbing, vol. 1 possibly without 3 blanks, text continuous without lacunae, lower outer blank corner of two leaves torn, one leaf reinforced at gutter, small paper flaw to one leaf touching text). Contemporary Russian full mottled calf, patterned endpapers, spines tooled in blind, gilt-lettered labels (extremities and spines rubbed). Provenance: Ivan Reklichev (inscription on title and bookplate) - early shelfmark on front endleaf.
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