Maslenikov, N.N. [Poster]. Plakat.

[Moscow], Teakinopechat’, 1930.
12mo, 50, [2] pp., [4] pp.ad., ill.

In original pictorial wrappers.
In good condition, lightly soiled and rubbed to wrappers, small loss to upper corner of back cover.

One of 5 000 copies published.         

This book by artist and art critic Nikolai Maslenikov (Maslennikov; 1895–1950), a member of the Society of Moscow Artists (OMKh), reflects the evolution of poster art in the USSR. It is organized into three chapters, where Maslenikov reviews posters, explores their connection with lubok (Russian popular prints), examines the content of propaganda posters, and discusses amateur posters.
The book is illustrated with reproductions of posters. Interestingly, these posters are used by the author as examples of 'poor' Soviet poster design, showing what should be avoided. Each illustration is accompanied by comments highlighting the shortcomings.
While the authors of some posters remain unknown, the book includes works by Dmitry Moor 'May 1st – The Holiday of Labor' ('the risen Christ') and ‘Solemn Promise’, Stenberg brothers ‘Fragment of an Empire’ ('satisfactorily made' film poster) and ‘The White Stadium’ (‘emphasized eroticism’), Alexander Tyshler 'Anti-Semitism is a Conscious Counter-Revolution' (critiqued for 'excessive fascination with aesthetics'), and Franz Peffer 'Comrade! Your Factory is Your Pride' (described as 'some kind of commercial advertisement').

OCLC locates one copy of this edition in the USA only: in the Stanford University Library. The Zürich Central Library has a copy also.