To Lenin, January 21, 1924; a unique publication which compiles hundreds of photos, reproductions and descriptions of wreaths, banners, flags, posters, boards etc laid to Lenin's coffin as he laid in state.
Published by order of the Special Committee for Immortalizing the Memory of V.I. Ulyanov-Lenin, printed in 1924 by the "Goznak" printing factory, Moscow. Size: 11" x 8" x 2"; 519 pp. Weight: 4 lbs.
Please note that the pen in the last photo is provided for reference purposes only.
The material is superbly organized into 9 major groups, based on the organization or person(s) laying the wreath, banner, flag or any other
object. These groups range from branches of the Soviet Government to unknown individual sources.
Even just reading the list of these groups whets one's appetite to look into them in detail.
Group I: From State Organizations of the Soviet Republics.
Group II: From Organizations of R.C.P. (Russian Communist Party), R.C.U.Y. (Russian Communist Union of Youth) and Communist Parties of Other
Countries.
Group III: From Professional Organizations.
Group IV: From Workers.
Group V: From Workers and Peasants.
Group VI: From the Red Army (and its organizations).
Group VII: From Cooperatives.
Group VIII: From Children and Organizations for Children
Group IX: Miscellaneous (this group includes individuals and social groups, foreign entities, trade organizations, prison inmates (!) and
unknown sources).
Photos or reproductions of wreaths are provided individually whereas all other types of objects are presented in group photos or tables, as
they are named in the book, with maps on rice paper referencing the page containing the description of each object, superimposed over the
photo. Each description contains the dimensions and the material(s) used in the object's construction.
The verbiage of each inscription is provided precisely, including orthographic or other errors. Inscriptions in languages other than Russian
are provided in the original language and translated into Russian.
The book is hardcover and in good condition despite some damage to the front cover and minor scuffing on the back cover. The level of wear is surprisingly low for an almost 100-year-old book, mostly at the corners of the covers and along the sides of the spine. The binding is tight and strong. All pages adhere to the binding. A small number of rice paper sheets covering photos are slightly creased or show some wear. Overall, the wear adds to the authenticity of the book. The pages show slight age toning but are free of stains; the text and images are bright and clear. One page has a slight tear on top. Two color reproductions have got unglued from their background pages but are otherwise undamaged. The end paper has a few lines of algebraic equations handwritten in black pencil.
The number of listed objects is incredible but even so, some of them did not get into the book. Despite the great effort of the Special
Committee to restore all the wreaths, some of them were damaged or completely destroyed under the mass of wreaths around Lenin's coffin.
In addition to the unique contents of the book, it strikes one as a vivid illustration of, and reflection on, the diabolical brain washing
on an unbelievably mass scale, probably combined with fear of retribution from the Red Terror of the new power. By 1924, the population of
the Soviet Russia had experienced enough atrocities committed by the Bolsheviks on the one hand and, on the other, remembered their previous
life. Yet, the fear and brain washing were stronger, compelling thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations to publicly declare
their undying love for the dead tyrant.
Item# 38505
$950.00 Add to cart
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