Gogol, Nikolai Vasilievich

volume 1 only, 8vo (233 x 150mm.), half-title, later calf-backed brown buckram, lettered in gilt on spine, without wrappers, occasional light staining, pp.251-254 bound upside down

V.A. Vladimirskaya, name stamped in gilt on foot of spine

Kilgour 345; Fekula 4716

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."

FIRST EDITION of Gogol's masterpiece, a classic of nineteenth-century Russian literature, and one of his works satirising the Russian character, as he also did with Revizor [The government inspector].

There was a second volume, published after Gogol's death by his heirs in 1855; although he had burned the second volume, there were sufficient drafts remaining for the volume to be recomposed, and the planned third volume had never been written.