Kubasta, V. [Vojtech]

The Magic of the Circus [Pop-Up Book]

New York: Derrydale Books / Distributed by Crown Publishers, 1985. Kubasta, V. [Vojtech]. Hardcover. A bright, intact U.S. edition of Kubasta’s The Magic of the Circus, with all pop-ups and movable elements complete and functioning—an appealing copy of one of the most beloved titles by the master of Central European 3-D book design.

Hardcover pop-up / movable book. Oblong format: approx. 10.25 × 7.875 inches (26 × 20 cm). Six double-page pop-up spreads; six functional movable components.

The bindings are firm. Text and illustrations clean with only a hint of age-toning typical for this production. All pop-up structures, layers, and pull-tabs are present, fully intact, and free of tears. Surfaces bright and without significant handling wear. A carefully maintained example.

Originally published in Czechoslovakia; this is the first American edition.

Vojtech Kubasta (1914–1992) is widely regarded as one of the most innovative paper engineers of the 20th century, famed for his bold colorwork, theatrical compositions, and mechanically sophisticated pop-up designs. The Magic of the Circus is one of his most recognizable titles, capturing the spectacle of Central European circus culture in layered, interactive tableaux.

Kubasta’s architectural training and commercial design background shaped his distinctive approach to three-dimensional storytelling. His pop-up books—published in more than two dozen languages and selling over 35 million copies—have become a core collecting field, with original-format editions prized for their elaborate engineering and vibrant color lithography.

Subjects: Vojtech Kubasta; Circus and performance art; Paper engineering; Czechoslovak illustration; Architectural illustration in children’s books, Pop-up books; Movable books; Children’s illustrated books; 20th-century design; Collectible picture books.

Item #21323

Price: $125.00