Beschreibung:

MAYAKOVSKY, Vladimir Vladimirovich (1893-1930), author, and CHEKRYGIN, Vasilii (1897-1922) and ZHEGIN, Lev (1892-1969, as Lev Shekhtel), illustrators. Ia! [I!] Moscow: G.L. Kuz'min and S.D. Dolinskii, 1913. An important association copy of the rare first edition of Mayakovsky's first book. One of only 300 copies published, this one inscribed by the author to Levkii Zheverzheev – the principal patron of the pioneering Russian Futurist group 'Union of Youth'. Zheverzheev, a wealthy St Petersburg manufacturer and patron of literature and theatre, formed an important library comprising nearly 20,000 volumes. Notably, Zheverzheev sponsored 'Victory over the Sun', the Futurist opera with set designs by Malevich, in a performance of which Malevich exhibited his celebrated 'Black Square' painting for the first time. A very attractive copy of a rare book which, when found at all, is typically in very poor condition. MoMA, The Russian Avant-Garde Book , 50 and p.89. Quarto (240 x 178mm). Complete in 16 leaves; lithographed text throughout and 8 illustrations (one leaf neatly repaired in the fore-edge). Original illustrated wrappers, designed by Mayakovsky (neatly rebacked; fore-edges neatly repaired; light soiling on the rear cover); Mayakovsky's inscription on the front cover in black ink (inscription faded, especially the signature); housed in a custom clamshell case. Provenance : Vladimir Mayakosvky (presentation inscription to:) – Levkii Ivanovich Zheverzheev (1881-1942; case label; dispersed in 1918 by) – A. S. Suvorin, bookseller – K.A. Shimkevich (stamps).