Bukvar dlia vzroslykh [Alphabet for Adults].

£4,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

Extremely rare edition, a lucky survivor in the original state: the 6 carton leaves at the back of the block was intended for cut-outs of the letters for learning purposes. Only known copy is held at the Russian National Library. The bukvar was published during the Civil War as part of an initiative aimed at eradicating illiteracy while promoting communist ideology. Printed in Kharkiv, where Soviet power had been established since late 1919 (following the entry of Red Army troops on December 12, 1919, and the formation of the Southwestern Front on January 10, 1920), the primer is notable for its agitational content. The first 23 pages feature revolutionary slogans such as 'We were slaves', 'We are not slaves, 'We won', 'Victory brought freedom', and 'We will build a new world', presented in both printed and cursive forms. Each slogan is accompanied by a woodcut illustration. Additionally, the primer contains significant political information addressing topics like 'Where does the capitalist extract profits?' and 'What is Soviet power?'. The book concludes with all six separate cardboard sheets of the cut-out alphabet still intact. Each page features 24 poster-like woodcuts by an anonymous artist. The style of these illustrations resemble the works of Dmitrii Moor at the time, as well as Kharkiv-based Vasyl Yermilov. These woodcuts are important examples of a very short-lived style in Bolshevik book design: the Socialist lubok. First edition, 8vo (21.2 x 16.6 cm); [2], 38 p.,

• Binding: Hardcover

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