Nikolai Nikolaevich Karazin

A first edition of Moi Skazki, illustrated by Nikolay Nikolaevich Karazin.

• Illustrated by Nikolay Nikolaevich Karazin (Russian).
• Moi Skazki [My Tales].
• St Petersburg: Devrien, 1895.
• Octavo.
• 159 pages.
• Half-title, title, dedication leaf, engraved portrait of the author, 8 lithographic plates with tissue guards, numerous illustrations in text.
• Text in Russian.
• Bound in the publisher's pictorial gilt blind-stamped blue cloth.

Fine example of the first edition of this popular work, in a decorative publisher's gift binding. Issued by one of the best publishers of the time Devrien, Moi Skazki was illustrated by one of the most outstanding artists of the time Karazin, who was considered a Russian rival of Gustav Doré.

Karazin worked on the coronation album for Alexander III in 1883 and in 1885 the Tsar commissioned eight paintings for the Winter Palace. The book was a success and many editions appeared over the years but the first remains scarce. In 1911, the Tsar and Tsarina thought it a suitable Christmas gift for the Tsarevich - a copy with their gift instruction is held in the Russian State Library.