Wilde Oscar

1904 · réf. 170766 — Moscow: Knigoizdatel'stvo Skorpion 1904. Each man kills the thing he loves First Russian edition first printing of this translation by Konstantin Bal'mont 1867-1942 one of the most significant Symbolists of Russia's "Silver Age" of poetry with the original illustrated wrappers by Modest Durnov 1867-1928. Bal'mont grew up on his family estate to the north-east of Moscow and demonstrated a flair for writing and languages from childhood. His 1901 collection of poems Burning Buildings Goryashchie zdaniya made him into a leading figure in the Russian Symbolist movement. He also translated Walt Whitman into Russian. Durnov is perhaps best known as an architect. His unrealised designs for Moscow's Aumont Omon Theatre included styling the entrance as the open maw of a dragon into which the public would pass. He appears to have met Wilde on a trip to London and the latter became his favourite author. In addition to executing the portrait which graces the wrappers Durnov also illustrated the 1906 Russian edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Sergei Polyakov established Skorpion in 1899 and it quickly became a unifying force in Russian Symbolism publishing poets such as Gumilev and Belyi. It also focused on publishing translations including the work of Ibsen and Poe. Bal'mont and Durnov were both heavily involved in the house from the time of its conception. Octavo 184 x 120 mm. With 6 pages of publisher's advertisements. Uncut in the original illustrated wrappers by Modest Durnov. Bookseller's stamp and inscription to rear wrapper. Some soiling to the wrappers tears to spine some spotting and light toning to the leaves. A very good copy considering its fragility. Roznatovskaia 260. unknown