Bonjean, F.-J., Deif, Ahmed [Mansour: Histoire d'un enfant du pays d'Éypte]. Mansur.

Translation from French P. Ariian and V. Nebieri. 
Cover by L. Khizhinskii. 
[Preface R. Arskii]. 

[Leningrad], "Knizhnye novinki", 1928. 
8vo, [2], VII, [3], 5-265, [1] pp., [2] pp.cat.

In publisher’s pictorial wrappers. Partly unopened copy. 
In good condition, light overall wear and soil to wrappers, spine and front cover sun-tanned, small cracks to spine, small tear to back cover, small losses to some pages edges. 

First and only edition of this translation. Second and last edition of this novel in Russian. One of 5 000 copies published. 

In 1924, the French writer François Bonjean (1884-1963) collaborated with Ahmed Deif (also known as Ahmed Dayf; 1880-1954), an Egyptian, to create a captivating novel recounting the adventures of Mansour, a child from Egypt, and the daily life in the country. This novel garnered immense popularity and paved the way for two more books about Egypt. Despite the success, this novel was never translated into English. 
Ahmed Dayf played a significant role in Egypt's literary landscape. He was among the first young Egyptians to be sent to France for advanced studies and dissertation writing, and he emerged as a trailblazing literary critic advocating the development of a national literature in Egypt.
The novel's distinct style aligned with the literary movement known as Al-Madrasa al-Ḥadītha (The Modern School), which emerged in Egypt in 1917. As proponents of this modernist movement, their members delved into the search for a uniquely Egyptian literature and a distinct Egyptian identity. 
The first Russian translation of this first novel appeared in Kharkiv in 1925. A second translation followed, prepared by two female writers and translators, Praskovia Arian (1864-1949) and Vera Nebieri (1887-after 1931).
Praskovia Arian was not only a talented translator but also known as the influential founder of the female magazine 'First Women's Calendar' (1889-1915) covering women's issues in Russia. She also established the First Women's Technical Institute, contributing to women's empowerment and education. 
Vera Nebieri, an accomplished graduate from Sorbonne University, worked as a Parisian correspondent for Russian newspapers.
Remarkably, this joint translation project stands as the only novel that these two exceptional women collaborated on.
The cover design of this book was crafted by the illustrious graphic artist, illustrator, and master of easel engraving, etching, and lithography, Leonid Khizhinskii (1896-1972). His artistic journey began at the Ukrainian Academy of Arts in Kyiv, where he honed his skills. Later, he furthered his education at VKhUTEMAS/VKhUTEIN, studying under the guidance of accomplished mentors like Vladimir Konashevich and Dmitry Mitrohin.

We couldn’t trace any copy of this edition in the USA or European libraries via OCLC.