Silverstein, Shel [The Giving Tree]. Shchedroe Derevo.

Retold from English by Victor Ramzes.
Illustrations by Viktor Pivovarov.

Moskva, Detskaia literatura, 1983.
8vo, 38, [2] pp., ill.

In original pictorial wrappers.
In good condition, lightly worn to cover, minor soiling.

First Silverstein’s book in Russian.
First and only edition of these illustrations and this translation.

'The Giving Tree', one of Shel Silverstein's most recognized picture books, underwent reillustration by Viktor Pivovarov (born 1937), an artist, writer, art theorist, and a pivotal figure in the Moscow Conceptualist artistic movement. Pivovarov studied at the Moscow Polygraphic Institute under the tutelage of Pavel Korin. Following a trend set by various avant-garde artists since the 1930s, who turned to illustrating children's books as a means to steer clear of repressive measures, Pivovarov also engaged in this practice during the 1960s and 1970s.
Starting from the late 1960s, he became associated with the 'Detskaya Literatura' publishing house, where he crossed paths with notable figures from the 'Lianozovo group' such as Igor Kholin and Genrikh Sapgir. Through these connections, he became acquainted with Ovsei Driz and Ilya Kabakov. Furthermore, Pivovarov was an integral member of the 'Sretensky Boulevard Group', a loosely affiliated community of artists sharing adjacent studios in Moscow. This group included luminaries like Ilya Kabakov and Erik Bulatov.
In 1982, the artist relocated to Prague (the book's printing was endorsed on October 11, 1982), marking a significant transition in his life and career.

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