Benois, Alexandre Memoirs.

Translated by Moura Budberg.
Foreword by Peter Ustinov.

London, Columbus Books, [1988].
8vo, 286 pp., ill.

In original illustrated wrappers.
Near very good condition, lightly rubbed to edges and spine.

The memoirs of renowned artist, art critic, and historian Alexandre Benois (1870–1960) were first published in Russian under the title 'The Life of a Painter: Recollections' in New York in 1955. They were later translated into English and published in two volumes in 1960 and 1964.
The translation was done by Moura Budberg (1892–1974), a Russian adventurer and suspected double agent for both the Soviet Union’s secret police (OGPU) and British Intelligence. Budberg was also notable for her relationships with Maxim Gorky and H.G. Wells.
The book is further enriched by a contribution from the prominent actor and writer Sir Peter Ustinov (1921–2004), whose mother, Nadezhda Benois, was a niece of Alexandre Benois.