A RUSSIAN SOUL IN FINE PRESS

Dostoevsky, Fyodor (1821–1881)

A Gentle Spirit: A Fantastic Story. [Harrison of Paris] [Limited Edition of 50]

Paris: Harrison of Paris [Minton, Balch and Company], 1931. Illustrations by Christian Berard. Limited Edition of 50.
MONROE WHEELER & THE ART OF THE BEAUTIFUL BOOK THROUGH THE AVANT-GARDE VISION OF CHRISTIAN BÉRARD — A MASTERPIECE OF MODERNIST FINE PRINTING.
A superlative example of Harrison of Paris production, presenting Dostoevsky’s haunting Petersburg novella in the ultra-limited issue of only 50 copies printed on Imperial Japan vellum. 

This edition unites the psychological depth of the Russian master with the high-modernist aesthetic of Monroe Wheeler’s press, featuring mounted illustrations by the celebrated 'Vogue' artist Christian Bérard.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Features mounted illustrations by Christian Bérard, whose avant-garde style perfectly captures the 'fantastic' atmosphere of the text. 
+++ Binding: Bound in full vellum (or heavy vellum-style wrappers, consistent with the 50-copy issue), reflecting the premium materiality of the press. 
+++ Content: One of Dostoevsky's most profound short works, translated by the legendary Constance Garnett. 
+++ Associated Names: Christian Bérard (Illustrator); Monroe Wheeler (Designer); Constance Garnett (Translator). 
+++ Provenance: From the Monroe Wheeler / Harrison of Paris archive. 
+++ Rarity: Scarce; this is copy number XV (15) of only 50 copies produced on Imperial Japan vellum. 
+++ Imprint: Printed and made in Germany by arrangement with William Heinemann, New York. 
+++ Specs: Octavo (approx. 9.75 inches tall); 85 pages.

CONDITION: Fine -- The vellum is remarkably clean and supple, avoiding the typical warping or discoloration often seen with this material. The mounted plates are pristine and the internal text block is bright and sharp.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - 
'A Gentle Spirit' (Krotkaya) is a cornerstone of Dostoevsky’s shorter fiction, exploring themes of isolation, pride, and spiritual redemption through a revolutionary stream-of-consciousness narrative. This 1931 edition appeared at a vital moment when European and American publishers were re-evaluating Russian literature through the lens of Modernist design.

The 50-copy vellum issue represents the 'state of perfection' for this title. By selecting Christian Bérard—a man central to the Parisian fashion and theater world—to illustrate Dostoevsky, Monroe Wheeler successfully bridged the gap between 'high art' and 'fine bookmaking,' a hallmark of the Harrison of Paris legacy.

SUBJECTS: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Harrison of Paris, Monroe Wheeler, Christian Bérard, Russian Literature, Modernist Illustration, Imperial Japan Vellum, 1930s Paris. Fine Press, Limited Edition, Illustrated Book, Russian Fiction.

Item #20466

Price: $1,650.00