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1981: Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
$25.00Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, is a controversial and thought-provoking novel that follows the story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged literature professor, who becomes infatuated with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames “Lolita.” The novel explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the destructive power of desire.
The present copy is a paperback edition published by Berkley Books in New York in 1981, 27th printing. The softcover volume is in good to very good condition, with some wear to the cover and spine, fold creases on the front and back, and minor tear along the spine. Despite the yellowing of pages due to the age of the book, it is very well bound with no writing or markings. -
1955: The Collected Stories, by Isaac Babel
$25.00The Collected Stories by Isaac Babel is a compilation of the author’s short stories, showcasing his unique writing style and exploration of themes such as war, violence, and the human condition.
Published by Meridian Fiction in 1955, this 381-page paperback volume features a pictorial cover and shows slight fading and minor wear consistent with its age. The stories within this collection offer a poignant and thought-provoking look at the complexities of human nature, making it a valuable addition to any literature lover’s collection. With no writing or markings and a tightly bound volume, this book is in good condition for its age, with only a few fold creases and minor rubbing on the cover and page edges.
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1969: Doctor Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak, International Collectors Library
$135.00Doctor Zhivago is a classic Russian novel by Boris Pasternak set during the tumultuous times of 1903 to 1943 in Russia. The novel follows the life of Dr. Zhivago as he tries to maintain his humanity and spiritual integrity in a society that is divided by class, family, love, and ultimately, man’s own inner struggles. Pasternak’s portrayal of the social and moral dilemma faced by the characters is both convincing and brilliant.
This edition of Doctor Zhivago is part of the Classical Russian Novels series of the International Collectors Library. The book is beautifully bound in wine red and stamped with handsome gilt foil, replicating the design found on a rare old volume in the library of Czar Alexander II. The binding was executed by the distinguished American artist Rafael Palacios and includes a matching ribbon marker. This collectible edition is new and unread, with only a minor bent on the top cover corner. The deckled fore-edges and original inlay from ICL with presentation of the work and its binding make this edition a must-have for any collector of classic literature.
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1982: Island of Love, by Yuri Nagibin
$45.00Island of Love by Yuri Nagibin is a Russian novel published by Progress Publishers in Moscow. The book is a romantic tale that takes place on a remote island in the Black Sea during World War II. The story follows a young soldier named Alyosha who is sent to the island to guard a military base. While there, he meets a beautiful young woman named Nadya and they fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by the war and the fact that Nadya is engaged to another man. The novel explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice as Alyosha and Nadya navigate their feelings for each other in the midst of a tumultuous time.
The book is beautifully written and filled with vivid descriptions of the island and its inhabitants. The characters are well-developed and the reader is drawn into their world, feeling their joys and sorrows as they struggle to make sense of their feelings and the world around them.
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1948: Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol
$55.00Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol is a classic novel that tells the story of a man named Chichikov who travels around Russia buying the “dead souls” of serfs who have died but are still listed as alive on the census. Chichikov’s plan is to use these dead souls as collateral to secure a loan, but his scheme is complicated by the corrupt officials and landowners he encounters along the way. The novel is a satirical commentary on the social and political realities of 19th century Russia, and Gogol’s vivid characters and humorous writing style make it a memorable and entertaining read.
This edition of Dead Souls, translated by C.J. Hogarth and published by J.N. Dent & Sons LTD in 1948, includes an introduction by John Cournos and is part of the Everyman’s Library series. The book is in good condition despite its age, with a slightly rubbed and faded red cloth hardcover and no dust jacket.
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1980 Hope Against Hope: A Memoir, by Nadezhda Mandelstam, Atheneum, New York
$45.00Hope Against Hope: A Memoir is a powerful and moving account of life in Stalinist Russia. Written by Nadezhda Mandelstam, the wife of the famous poet Osip Mandelstam, the book chronicles the couple’s struggle to survive under the brutal regime of Joseph Stalin. Mandelstam’s memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and persecution. It is a deeply personal and emotional account of one woman’s fight for survival, and a vivid portrayal of life in one of the darkest periods of Russian history.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, as well as for those who are interested in the human experience of living under a totalitarian regime. Mandelstam’s writing is powerful and evocative, and her memoir is a testament to the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. This book is a classic of Russian literature, and a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and human dignity.