Epigrams. Aphorisms. Epitaph. Toast. Impromptus. Soviet livre d’artiste.

Marshak, S. [Epigrams. Original and translated. Aphorisms. Epitaph. Drinking Toasts. Impromptus.]. Epigrams. Original and Translated. Aphorisms. Epitaphs. Zazdravnye Tosty. Ekspromty.

Compilation and book design by B. Kreitser.

Leningrad, Khudozhnik RSFSR, 1978.
12mo, 103 pp., ill.

In original pictorial wrappers.
Near very good condition, very light wear to spine.

Interesting livre d’artiste.

This book is particularly rare for its era, as it was entirely crafted by the artist, encompassing the selection of poems, vignettes, and initials. Among others, the book includes translations from William Shakespeare, William Blake, Robert Burns, George Rostrevor Hamilton, Alexander Pope, Matthew Prior, Coventry Patmore, and more.
The creator of the book, artist and architect Boris Kreitser (1905-1979), was a graduate of VKhUTEMAS. Despite being sentenced to death during the Great Purge, he narrowly escaped execution, enduring seven years in a labor camp. Subsequently arrested again in 1949, he was not liberated until six years later. Upon his return to Leningrad, he resumed his work illustrating books and also served as an artist at the Dulyovo porcelain works. Just a year after this book was published, Kreitser passed away at the age of 74.