Our Notes & References

The complete set of this celebrated Bilibin series of children books – rarely found together in such a great condition, all volumes retaining their fragile original spines. All six volumes in first edition.

These Tales are probably the most famous Russian children’s books and have been reprinted many times. They are here in their original condition and managed to retain their freshness and the brilliance of the rich chromolithography produced by one of the most sophisticated Russian presses of the time: the ‘Expedition for the Confection of State Papers’ had indeed printed the prestigious Coronation Album of Tsar Nicolas II and published in 1904 Alexandre Benois’ famous alphabet.

The six Tales were originally assembled and published by Afanasev; they are: Peryshko Finista Iasna-Sokola [The Feather of Finist the Falcon]; Tsarevna-Liagushka [The Frog Princess]; Vasilisa Prekrasnaia [Vasilisa the Beautiful]; Maria Morevna; Skazka ob Ivane-tsareviche, Zhar-ptitse i o serom volke [Tale of Ivan-Tsaverich, the Firebird and the Grey Wolf]; and finally Sestritsa Alenushka i Bratets Ivanushka. Belaia utochka [Sister Alenushko and Brother Ivanushka. The White Duckling].

Provenance

Large German blue ink gift inscription to inner cover of one volume, dated 8 September 1902.