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[SOVIET WORKER MUST REST] Doma otdykha: Sbornik statei i materialov [i.e. Pensions: Collection of Materials and Articles]

Moscow: Gosizdat, 1923. Item #456

225, [5] pp.: ill., 4 pl. 27x18 cm. In original printed wrappers. Very good. Partially uncut. Tears and small losses of the spine and extremities of the wrappers, signature on the t.p. (ink), damp stains on margins of pages.

First edition. One of 3000 copies. Very rare.

This edition is an amazing evidence of labour hygiene that was initiated in a new country - annual two week vacation for which government was determined to create a public system of sanatoriums and pensions. Sanatoriums and pensions (‘doma otdykha’ literally means houses of rest) were a distinctive feature of the USSR from the very beginning of its existence and for other socialist countries. They were designed to provide rest for workers. Initially the sanatoriums were much more medical institutions than resorts. Employees got vouchers to go there, often free of charge. The emphasis was made on the fresh air, sports and educational activities.

Extraordinary numerous photographs of the exterior, interior and people and their activities are gathered in this edition as well as materials, statistical data, approximate list of inventory for sanatorium of 100 people, schedule, sport exercises, food, walks and excursions, lectures and other educational and entertainment activities.

Highlight of this edition is the article by Nikolai Semashko (1874-1949), People’s Commissar of Public Health from 1918 until 1930; he was one of the organizers of the health system in the Soviet Union and promoter of such sanatoriums and ‘right for rest’, social and private hygiene, etc.

In the end of the book there are design projects of sanatoriums which come with the last article on constructing such facilities by Moscow architect Dmitry Chelishchev (1879-1964).

This is an excellent evidence of the time: not only it provides a data on a very specific field of architecture but also a glimpse at the life in early USSR.

Only copy in the British Library according to the Worldcat.

Price: $950.00