Books

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). Uncut in the original illustrated wrappers by Modest Durnov. With 6 pages of publisher's advertisements. 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.

The Ballad of Reading Gaol is a poem by Oscar Wilde, written in exile in Berneval-le-Grand, after his release from Reading Gaol (/rɛdɪŋ dʒeɪl/) on 19 May 1897. Wilde had been incarcerated in Reading after being convicted of homosexual offences in 1895 and sentenced to two years' hard labour in prison. During his imprisonment, he witnessed the events leading up to the hanging of Charles Thomas Wooldridge, a trooper in the Royal Horse Guards, for the murder of his wife; these events inspired the poem.