Lot 28
  • 28

Mayakovsky, Vladimir.

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Description

  • Voina i mir [War and the World]. St Petersburg: Parus, 1917
8vo (227 x 177mm.), [limited to 2000 copies], original printed wrappers, slight browning at edges, rebacked, wrappers worn and repaired

Literature

Hellyer 357; Ex-Libris 188; The Russian Avant-Garde Book 161

Catalogue Note

Using the monologue as a starting point Mayakovsky addresses the reader in particular and Western nations in general, inciting them to revolution. The verse moves through the stages of man, a barbaric and primitive being who progresses through, and is stimulated by, war which is itself the catalyst for a positive, radical future. A favourite poem of the author, he used to recite it regularly to his friends.  The title exploits the Russian pun "Mir", by alluding to Tolstoy's use of this title.