Ленин. 1870 - 1924 гг. (Lenin 1870-1924) [Lacking 79 out of 250 silver gelatin prints]

Moscow: Мосгоркино (Mosgorkino), 1929. First edition. Hardcover. g- to g+. Oblong octavo. 171 loose silver gelatin prints housed in a black- and blind-lettered burgundy cloth portfolio, with string ties. Title pasted on back flap.

Extremely rare collection of 171 original photographs (out of 250*) exploring the life and the works of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Russian Communist Party, as well as the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and the architect and first head of the Soviet Union (the name of the communist Russian state from 1922 to 1991).

This collection of photographs includes numerous early examples of Constructivist (truncated) photomontages. They provide a striking pictorial account of the formative years of one of the 20th century's most seminal figures, and feature people important in Lenin's life (Stalin, Litvin, Gusev, Molotov, Nikitin, etc..), as well as places where he used to live while in exile (Siberia, Paris, Finland). Also includes a photograph of Lenin's signature, as well as photographs of his publications (Iskra, Pravda) and excerpts from his works ("The Development of Capitalism in Russia," "What Is to Be Done?," "Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism," "The State and Revolution").

The size of the photographs slightly varies, but each measures appr. 6 3/4 x 4 6/8".

Moderate soiling along edges of portfolio. Most of the silver gelatin prints have tiny yellow spots (mostly along edges); 15 have closed tears and/or minor chipping along edges, and 10 are partly creased. Captions in Russian. Portfolio in overall good- to good, interior in good- to good+ condition.

The portfolio is rather rare as it is not listed in either Worldcat or in the Russian State Library. Within the past few years, only two copies were auctioned in Russia, both with missing plates. * Lacking the following photographs: 5; 7; 10; 13; 29; 52; 67; 76; 78; 90; 101; 111; 123; 129; 138; 139; 149; 150; 155; 159; 160; 163; 168; 169; 170; 171; 174; 175; 176; 179; 182; 194; 196; 198-219; 221-224; 226; 229; 231-238; 240-243; 245-250. (Inventory #: 40261)