Author

BULGARIN, F[addey Venediktovich] and others.

Title

Kartinki Russkikh nravov
[Illustrations of the Russian character].

Published, Date

Yungmeyster, Skt. Peterburg,1842-43.

Description

Sixteenmo (12 x 8.5 cm). VII, [4], 84, [6], 70, 54, 94, 77, 69, with numerous woodcuts; some pages misnumbered, very light waterstain in the upper corner of several leaves, upper margin of some leaves trimmed. Contemporary brown calf stamped in blind, gilt lettering to spine with raised bands, red bookmark. Provenance: M. Zozulia, Peterburgskaya guberniya (pencil inscription to upper fly leaf).

Note

Fine copy of the work that compiled various satirical essays accompanied by more than 300 illustrations after Vasiliy Timm (1820 - 1895) that were engraved by Baron Konstantin Clodt and his pupils. The present copy contains all the six parts that were issued consecutively over two years and featured essays by Bulgarin, Miatlev, Grech, Kukolnik and Luganskiy, who ironically depicted absurdities of the contemporary lifestyle of the Russian high society. These series were the first attempt to issue a high quality illustrated publication at an affordable price (Sm.-Sok.). It was named one of the best examples of the Russian editions illustrated with woodcuts (Vereshchagin). Due to its fragile format and popularity the edition has become rare already in the end of XIX century.

References

Sm.-Sok. No791; Vereshchagin, 380.

Stock Number

86594