Russia
GEISSLER, C[hristian] G[ottfried] H[einrich] (artist) and J[ohann] RICHTER.
Spiele und Belustigungen der Russen aus den niedern Volks-Klassen. Jeux et divertissements du peuple russe.
Industrie Comptoir, Lepizig, [1805]. 4to (28 x 21 cm). Title-page in German, another in French, [2], 32, [8] pp., 12 engraved plates by Geissler, numbered, all coloured by hand; some stains, mostly to first title and plates, titles and preface trimmed at outer margin, ink drawing to upper fly-leaf. Contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, flat spine gilt in compartments, gilt lettering to one, marbled edges; spine a bit rubbed, chipped at head, stain to lower board.
First edition of these lively plates, each with descriptive text in German and French (translated by P. Hacault). They depict various scenes of 'low-class' Russian leisure pursuits. They include bearbaiting, egg rolling, 'cake tossing', draughts and boxing. This title rarely appears on the market and is fairly scarce. This copy contains, bound-in at end, the unusual and complete number LII of the 'Litterarischer Anzeiger' which annouces the publication of the present work, among 14 others. Colas 2554; Lipperheide 1345.
Price: £ 2750
US Dollar Price: $ 3990
Stock Number: 74702