Demon.

£4,750 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

Finely bound illustrated edition of Lermontov's Demon, one of the most celebrated works of Russian Romantic literature. Alfred Eberling (1872-1951) was a student of Ilya Repin and a court painter under Nicholas II before the Revolution. Despite his Imperial background he was a successful Soviet artist and his portrait of Lenin was featured on the 3 rouble note. Printed on thick paper, this lavish publication perfectly captures the mood of Lermontov's epic poem set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus mountains. Square 4to (255 x 245 mm); frontispiece portrait, 5 colour and 4 black white plates, all with tissue guards, text printed in blue with decorative borders, facsimile manuscript at the rear, printed on thick paper; near contemporary half black morocco over floral fabric boards, gilt ruled, title in gilt to upper cover, spine in parts.

• Binding: Hardcover

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