Bookvica

[UKRAINIAN LIBRARIES AND PUBLISHERS] Nova knyha [i.e. New Book] #4/6 for 1925.

Item #1692

Kharkiv: Derzhavne vydavnytstvo, 1925. 82 pp.: ill. 29,5x22,5 cm. In original constructivist wrappers. Spine, covers and corners of pages restored, soiling of wrappers, otherwise mint and partly uncut copy.

Early Soviet Ukrainian bibliographical magazine published in 1924-1925 and edited by S. Pylypenko and M. Godkevych. One of 2000 copies printed. Very rare.

The anonymous artist created constructivist letterpress designs of the title for front cover and first page, as well as constructivist headlines of sections.
The edition is related to an early Soviet campaign on liquidation of illiteracy and institutions involved, book culture and libraries in Soviet Ukraine. In particular, there are articles on promotion of books among the rural Ukrainian population, organization of reading huts, and book delivery from libraries to factories. During this campaign, various book exhibitions were held as well. This issue contains two photographs and description of the exhibition “350 Years of Ukrainian Book Printing” held in the Ukrainian Research Institute of Book Science in 1925. Founded soon after the Bolshevik annexation of Ukraine, the institution operated until 1936. Contributors also mention the literary and art exhibition “Workforce and National Economy of Ukraine” which hosted more than 3200 books, as well as maps, artworks, photographs, etc. This one was held at the National Library of Ukraine of the VUAN in Kyiv. A
little book and printing show was held in Odessa at the same period.
A large section is devoted to reviews of new book releases on various topics. Bearing in mind repression of Ukrainian revival in the following years, such lists became valuable sources. Also, an interesting section covers publishing business in Ukraine. In particular, statistics are provided on the State Publishing House of Ukraine for 1923-1924, ‘Proletaryi’ for 1924, ‘Knyhospilka’ and ‘Rukh’ for 1925. Separately, the issue publishes statistics on Ukrainian printing houses and Ukrainian libraries divided by regions.
The issue publishes instructions for library cataloging and advice on shifting to Ukrainian bibliography. Also, three-week courses of cooperative book trade were announced, including lectures, excursions to a printing house, practice in a bookstore.

Price: $750.00