In 2 tomes, each containing 2 volumes. Мeasures approx. 8" x 5 ½", 374 and 320 pp., respectively. Total weight nearly 3 lbs. Hardcover. Published and printed by A. Marks Publishing House, St. Petersburg. The text is in pre-reform Russian orthography containing currently obsolete letters. Circulation unknown. The portrait of the poet was printed off a lithograph on steel made at Brockhaus Publishing in Leipzig, Germany. As seen at bottom left of the photo with the poet's signature, the first tome of this edition had gone through official censorship and was allowed for publication

In 2 tomes, each containing 2 volumes. Мeasures approx. 8" x 5 ½", 374 and 320 pp., respectively. Total weight nearly 3 lbs. Hardcover. Published and printed by A. Marks Publishing House, St. Petersburg. The text is in pre-reform Russian orthography containing currently obsolete letters. Circulation unknown. The portrait of the poet was printed off a lithograph on steel made at Brockhaus Publishing in Leipzig, Germany. As seen at bottom left of the photo with the poet's signature, the first tome of this edition had gone through official censorship and was allowed for publication on 2 May 1891. The second tome - on 4 May 1891.

The two books are in different condition, and we will specify it separately.
Book One.
In very good to excellent condition. The spine is separated from the back cover but is firmly attached to the front and can be easily and quickly repaired. The liner of the binding has been reinforced with paper and is quite strong and tight. The head and tail of the spine are a bit frayed adding character to the book. The scratch going across the front cover is very superficial and has not damaged the leatherette. The page with the poet's portrait, printed on a thicker paper, is separated at the hinge but is still covered and protected by a sheet of rice paper. The textblock is in excellent condition, internal pages showing only appropriate level of age toning along the edges but no rips, soiling, scuffs or any other damage. The endsheet in the back features a poem of Lermontov's, handwritten in pencil, apparently by a previous owner of the book.
Book Two.
In excellent condition. The head and tail of the spine, as well as the corners of the cover boards are a bit frayed, adding character. Minimal shelf wear can be noticed along the bottom edges of the cover. The embossment of the cover is clearly felt under your fingers, the lines crips and strong. The binding shows amazingly little "give" from wear and is fully intact and tight. The textblock is in excellent superb condition. Apart from the title page and the next page showing very minor rips at the bottom, the internal pages show only appropriate level of age toning along the edges but no rips, soiling, scuffs or any other damage. The paper is supple throughout the entire textblock.

Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov (1814 - 1841) was a Russian poet, writer and painter as well as a military officer (his highest rank was captain) stationed in the Caucasus region, mostly the city of Pyatigorsk where he eventually died at the hand of someone Martynov whom Lermontov had teased to the point where Martynov challenged him to a duel. Even though Lermontov made it known that he would shoot into the air, Martynov aimed straight at the poet's heart and killed him. Lermontov was 26 years old. Lermontov belonged to the Romanticism movement and, as a poet is considered in Russia second only to Pushkin.

Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.
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