The Fine Art & Collectibles Sale
Lot 159:
Description
7 5/8 x 5 1/4 in (19.3 x 13.2 cm)
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided by the consignor. According to the accompanying materials, the signature was reviewed with reference to factors including ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. These materials relate to the reported signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece, and are presented as received for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
Offered here is an exceptionally rare signed first English edition of "Comrades" by Maxim Gorky, published in 1915 by Hodder and Stoughton in London, New York, and Toronto. This edition emerges from a critical period in Gorky’s political and literary exile, and stands as one of his seminal novels reflecting revolutionary ideals and the plight of the working class.
Bound in striking red cloth with a bold double-headed eagle and heraldic crest on the front board, the design echoes the imperial Russian emblems, symbolizing the very forces of oppression that Gorky’s protagonists strive to overcome. The spine bears the prominent title "COMRADES, " visually conveying the spirit of uprising. The title page is graced with Gorky’s full Russian signature "??. ????????????" in fountain pen, its confident script offering a direct, personal connection to one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century.
As a pioneer of socialist realism and a cornerstone figure in Soviet literature, Maxim Gorky’s influence on modern political literature is immeasurable. "Comrades" explores themes of camaraderie, revolution, and personal sacrifice-an ideological prelude to the Bolshevik movement. Signed first editions in English, especially from the wartime years, are exceedingly scarce.
In the rare book market, Gorky’s autographed works command high attention, particularly those published contemporaneously with his most impactful writings. Comparable signed volumes have realized strong prices ranging from several thousand to over ten thousand USD, especially when tied to major political works like "Comrades."
This volume is both a literary treasure and a historical artifact-an ideal centerpiece for collectors of revolutionary literature, museum libraries, or institutions dedicated to political history. Its vivid red cover and imperial iconography present a powerful contrast to the book’s radical content, embodying the ideological tensions of a world on the brink of transformation.
Condition: ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
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