1900 Scarce Edition - Russian Fairy Tales from the Skazki of Polevoi by R. Nisbet Bain.
(description)
Author: R. Nisbet Bain. C. M. Gere, illustrator.
Title: Russian Fairy Tales from the Skazki of Polevoi.
Publisher: New York, A. L. Burt Company, no date (1900) First thus.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5" X 5".
Pages: vi-304 pages + publisher's catalog.
Binding: Attractive and very good, near fine original binding in olive green cloth, adorned with a lavish and striking pictorial cover featuring a fairy-like figure with butterfly wings, surrounded by sun rays and floral motifs in pastel colors. The spine is also embellished with a figure and gilt lettering (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. A rare find in any condition!
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean - as shown).
Illustrations: Includes a beautiful frontispiece and numerous detailed black-and-white illustrations by C. M. Gere, each illustration complementing the enchanting narratives. The artwork is intricate and adds depth to the timeless Russian folktales contained within.
Estimate: (Scarce with no of few other copies of this edition available for sale worldwide).
The book: Russian Fairy Tales brings together a collection of enchanting and timeless tales adapted from the Russian Skazki, or Märchen, which capture the rich storytelling traditions of Russia. These stories, retold by R. Nisbet Bain, are adaptations from the tales of the renowned Russian historian and archaeologist Peter Polevoi, who aimed to create a collection suitable for younger audiences. The tales in this book include a mixture of well-known and lesser-known folklore, with powerful lessons and a glimpse into the cultural values and imagination of Russia. The book includes a preface detailing the origin and adaptation of these tales, along with a comprehensive table of contents listing titles such as "The Golden Mountain," "The Frog-Tsarevna," "The Flying Ship," and many others.
The author: Robert Nisbet Bain (1854–1909) was a British historian, librarian, and translator known for his translations and adaptations of Eastern European and Nordic folklore. His works introduced English-speaking audiences to the mythologies and folk stories of regions that were, at the time, relatively unknown to the Western world.
The illustrator: Charles March Gere (1869–1957) was an English artist associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. His illustrations in Russian Fairy Tales provide a vivid visual accompaniment to the stories, capturing the mystical and fantastical elements of Russian folklore with precision and charm.