![TOLSTOY, Leo (1828-1910). Azbuka. [Chast’ I[-IV].] [Azbuka. Parts I[-IV]]. St Petersburg: K. Zamyslovsky, 1872-1874.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2019/CKS/2019_CKS_18441_0119_001(tolstoy_leo_azbuka_chast_i-iv_azbuka_parts_i-iv_st_petersburg_k_zamysl075311).jpg?w=1)
![TOLSTOY, Leo (1828-1910). Azbuka. [Chast’ I[-IV].] [Azbuka. Parts I[-IV]]. St Petersburg: K. Zamyslovsky, 1872-1874.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2019/CKS/2019_CKS_18441_0119_002(tolstoy_leo_azbuka_chast_i-iv_azbuka_parts_i-iv_st_petersburg_k_zamysl075319).jpg?w=1)
![TOLSTOY, Leo (1828-1910). Azbuka. [Chast’ I[-IV].] [Azbuka. Parts I[-IV]]. St Petersburg: K. Zamyslovsky, 1872-1874.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2019/CKS/2019_CKS_18441_0119_000(tolstoy_leo_azbuka_chast_i-iv_azbuka_parts_i-iv_st_petersburg_k_zamysl074834).jpg?w=1)
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TOLSTOY, Leo (1828-1910). Azbuka. [Chast’ I[-IV].] [Azbuka. Parts I[-IV]]. St Petersburg: K. Zamyslovsky, 1872-1874.
The rare, most famous Russian school primer, with the first edition of Parts 2-4 and the second of Part 1. A keen promoter of education, Tolstoy published the first, complete edition of Azbuka in 1872, in order ‘to improve the deplorable literacy levels in Russia’ (Bartlett). Its four volumes suggested new methods for introducing schoolchildren to the skills of writing and reading, and making calculations. It was much criticised and unsuccessful. In 1874, he agreed to publish a new, revised edition; this was praised and approved by the Ministry of Education. Tolstoy used this book to teach his workers’ children at his estate of Yasnaya Polyana. Rare: RBH records no other copies being offered at auction. Not in Smirnov-Sokol’skii, Moia biblioteka. R. Bartlett, Tolstoy: A Russian Life, p.201.
4 parts in one volume, octavo (206 x 140mm). 1: with illustrations, some in period colouring (age-browning, few light marginal waterstains, 1: title and first leaf reinforced at gutter, some dampstaining and soiling, see-through from colour paint on first quire; 2: one leaf partially detached but sound; 3: one leaf crudely repaired, small hole on p.131; 4: heavier waterstaining in last few quires, a little soiling at upper margin of last two leaves, small marginal hole to last). 19th-century Russian half calf, paper boards, spine lettered in blind (boards and extremities scuffed). Provenance: A. Dobromyslov (contemporary inscription in Cyrillic on front endleaf) – modern casemark (first title).
The rare, most famous Russian school primer, with the first edition of Parts 2-4 and the second of Part 1. A keen promoter of education, Tolstoy published the first, complete edition of Azbuka in 1872, in order ‘to improve the deplorable literacy levels in Russia’ (Bartlett). Its four volumes suggested new methods for introducing schoolchildren to the skills of writing and reading, and making calculations. It was much criticised and unsuccessful. In 1874, he agreed to publish a new, revised edition; this was praised and approved by the Ministry of Education. Tolstoy used this book to teach his workers’ children at his estate of Yasnaya Polyana. Rare: RBH records no other copies being offered at auction. Not in Smirnov-Sokol’skii, Moia biblioteka. R. Bartlett, Tolstoy: A Russian Life, p.201.
4 parts in one volume, octavo (206 x 140mm). 1: with illustrations, some in period colouring (age-browning, few light marginal waterstains, 1: title and first leaf reinforced at gutter, some dampstaining and soiling, see-through from colour paint on first quire; 2: one leaf partially detached but sound; 3: one leaf crudely repaired, small hole on p.131; 4: heavier waterstaining in last few quires, a little soiling at upper margin of last two leaves, small marginal hole to last). 19th-century Russian half calf, paper boards, spine lettered in blind (boards and extremities scuffed). Provenance: A. Dobromyslov (contemporary inscription in Cyrillic on front endleaf) – modern casemark (first title).
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