Ruslan i Lyudmila. Poema (Ruslan and Ludmila. A Poem) [Palekh Illustrations]

Uniform edition; 11 1/2 x 9; pp. [6], 7-113, [3]; white cloth over boards, decorated in red and gilt, and pictorial dust jacket; stunning full-page and in-line Palekh illustrations by noted artists Parilov and Dudorov; book with very minor wear to edges - in near fine condition; DJ with two small, closed cuts to bottom and a tiny chip to head. Tipped-in, printed card with a manuscript note - "With compliments" - of Nikolai Tarassov, Deputy Representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the United States.
Originally created in 1820, Pushkin's poem was written as an epic fairy tale in six cantos and told the story of Princess Ludmila, her abduction by an evil wizard, and knight Ruslan's quest to rescue her.
The Palekh style of painting, known for its delicate, intricate lines and abundance of gilt, was based on ancient icon painting and first appeared in the village of Palekh, in the form of decorations for miniature, black, lacquered boxes. (Inventory #: 3924)