Malevich, Kazimir.

8vo (231 x 180mm.), [limited to 1000 copies], lithographed throughout with manuscript text, 3 plates and a 3-part pictorial structure of Cubism by Malevich, original upper wrapper comprising text and illustrations by El Lissitzky, plates (originally loose) attached at front, a few page edges slightly chipped, both covers repaired at edges (including new backstrip), upper cover partly in facsimile

Hellyer 369; The Russian Avant-Garde Book 236

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Lissitzky designed the covers and supervised the design and production of the entire book in his students' workshop at the Vitebsk Popular Art Institute. The manuscript text is interspersed with Suprematist squares, rectangles and circles. This extremely important work, subsequently used by Narkompros as the definitive statement on modernist art, was Malevich's first major published piece in which he explains the principles behind his innovations in art.

For Malevich's only coloured lithographs, see lot 76.