Bookvica

[RODCHENKO & STEPANOVA]

Item #2716

Two-volume collection of works by Joseph Stalin:
1. Stalin, J. Ob osnovakh leninizma: Lektsii, chitannye v Sverdlovskom universitete v nachale aprelia 1924 goda [i.e. On the Basis of Leninism : Lectures Given at the Sverdlovsk University in Early April 1924]. M.: Partizdat, 1934. 264 pp., 1 portrait.

2. Stalin, J. K voprosam leninizma [i.e. To Issues of Leninism]. M.: Partizdat, [1935]. 176 pp., 1 portrait.

Case: 14x10,5 cm. Books: 12,5x9 cm. In original constructivist cloth case with blind stamped portrait of Stalin and his facsimile. In two cloth bindings with gilt name on front covers and colored title on front covers and spines; upper edges colored. Case rubbed, otherwise near fine.

Extremely rare in the case.

This experimental case shows opportunities of constructivist solutions in book design, although the pure constructivism seems particularly unexpected for the mid-1930s. The case is rather simple: two similar parts are fastened in the center of the upper and lower sides. Such a joint lets both parts spin a little but be tightly attached to each other. The inner part where the volumes are kept is equipped with a fabric band holding books inside. Some cases for this edition were produced less complicated: they are also in the gray cloth, with the stamped portrait, but two parts aren’t fastened. The designers weren’t credited inside, but it is certainly known that the splendid duo of Alexander Rodchenko and Varvara Stepanova developed a case of the same construction for the 1934 book “10 years of Uzbekistan”. The spouses were entrusted to design various editions about Stalin and Lenin supposed to be issued by the 17th Congress of the Communist Party.
This small edition consists of two volumes that are designed alike. Interestingly, they came out with completely different printrun. The first book, “On the Basis of Leninism” was produced in 200.000 copies while the second one, “To Issues of Leninism” was printed in 5.000 copies only. In the 1920-1940s, Stalin’s works were multiply published over the country, but this is the most curious design.

Worldcat shows a copy located in Harvard and Princeton Universities.

Price: $7,500.00